In short: the Buddha called health "the ultimate blessing" (Dhammapada 204), and taught that even an ailing body can carry a healthy mind (SN 22.1). Here are four genuine quotes on health, each with its source.
1. Dhammapada 204
"Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth; trust is the ultimate family; extinguishment, the ultimate happiness."
Dhammapada 204
2. SN 22.1
"Though my body is ailing, my mind will be healthy."
SN 22.1 · More
3. SN 3.13
"When a man is always mindful, knowing moderation in eating, his discomfort fades, and he ages slowly, taking care of his life."
SN 3.13 · More
4. AN 11.15
"You sleep at ease. You wake happily. You don't have bad dreams."
AN 11.15 · More
Not medical advice. For health concerns, please see a doctor.
All quotes are from the early Buddhist texts in Bhikkhu Sujato's translation on SuttaCentral, copied exactly. Last checked: 18 October 2026.
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Questions people ask
What did the Buddha say about health?
'Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth' (Dhammapada 204).