Chapter 17, Verse 15
अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत् | स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते ॥15॥
anudvega-karaṁ vākyaṁ satyaṁ priya-hitaṁ cha yat | svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ chaiva vāṅ-mayaṁ tapa uchyate ||15||
"Speech that is non-agitating, truthful, pleasant, and beneficial, as well as the regular practice of Vedic study, is declared as the austerity of speech."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.15 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.15 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Austerity of speech (Vang-maya Tapa) consists of four vocal qualities: it must be non-disturbing (Anudvegakaram), truthful (Satyam), agreeable (Priyam), and beneficial (Hitam). Additionally, the discipline of 'Svadhyaya' (self-study of scriptures) is categorized as a verbal austerity because it involves the disciplined use of the vocal organs for spiritual elevation. As the Manu Smriti suggests, the ideal is to speak the truth that is pleasing, rather than a harsh truth or a pleasant lie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.15?
Speech that is non-agitating, truthful, pleasant, and beneficial, as well as the regular practice of Vedic study, is declared as the austerity of speech.