Loading...
Current layer: Translation
Chapter 17 • Verse 15
The Yoga of the Threefold Faith
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes speech austerity—austerity of speech. 'Anuvedakaṁ ca vākyaṁ satyaṁ priyahitaṁ ca yat'—speech (vākyam) that is not causing pain (anuvedakam), truthful (satyam), pleasant (priya), and beneficial (hitam). 'Svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ caiva'—and the study (svādhyāya) and practice (abhyasanam) of scriptures. 'Vāṅmayaṁ tapa ucyate'—this is called (ucyate) speech austerity (vāṅmayam tapas). Speech austerity involves speaking truthfully, pleasantly, and beneficially, without causing pain, and studying sacred texts. This is discipline of speech—using words for truth and benefit rather than harm. Understanding this helps you recognize and practice speech austerity.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that speech austerity involves speaking truthfully, pleasantly, and beneficially, without causing pain, and studying scriptures. Speech austerity is discipline of words—using words for truth and benefit rather than harm. When you speak truthfully, pleasantly, and beneficially, without causing pain, and engage in meaningful study, you practice speech austerity. Understanding this helps you recognize and practice speech discipline. The goal isn't to never speak—it's to speak with care and benefit, using words to support rather than harm.
Personal Reflection
Do you practice speech austerity—speaking truthfully, pleasantly, and beneficially, without causing pain? Do you engage in meaningful study? How can you strengthen your speech discipline?
Shortcuts
←/→ Verses
↑/↓ Layers