अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत्।स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते।।17.15।।
anudvega‑karam vakyam satyam priya‑hitam ca yat; svadhyayabhyasanam chaiva vangmayam tapa ucyate.
Translation
Words that do not cause distress, are truthful, dear, beneficial, and also the regular study of the Vedas and speech, are called austerity of speech.
Word Meanings
anudvega‑karam — not agitating; vākyam — words; satyam — truthful; priya — dear; hitam — beneficial; ca — also; yat — which; svādhyāya — of Vedic study; abhyasanam — practice; ca — also; eva — certainly; vāk‑mayam — of the voice; tapaḥ — austerity; ucyate — is said to be.
Understanding the Verse
In Chapter 17, Verse 15, Lord Krishna expands the definition of austerity (tapas) beyond physical practices to include the discipline of speech. He lists specific qualities that qualify speech as a form of spiritual austerity: it must be free from agitation (anudvega‑karam), truthful (satyam), pleasant and beneficial (priya‑hitam), and should be accompanied by the regular study of the Vedas (svādhyāyābhyasana). The verse highlights that when speech embodies these virtues, it becomes a powerful means of purification and self‑control.
The first quality, ‘anudvega‑karam,’ stresses that our words should not stir up anxiety, anger, or restlessness in the listener or the speaker. Language has the power to amplify emotions; thus, restraint in speech prevents the spread of negativity. This aligns with the broader yogic principle that inner calm is reflected externally.
Truthfulness (satyam) is the cornerstone of ethical communication. By speaking the truth, a person aligns with dharma, creating trust and integrity in relationships. The Gita teaches that truth is not a mere factual statement but an expression of reality that upholds the cosmic order.
‘Priya‑hitam’ combines affection with utility. Words must be pleasant (priya) and actually beneficial (hitam) to others. Even a truthful statement, if delivered harshly, can cause harm; therefore, kindness and consideration are essential. This reflects the Bhagavad Gita’s emphasis on compassion in action.
The inclusion of ‘svādhyāyābhyasana’ connects speech with the disciplined study of sacred texts. Regular recitation and contemplation of the Vedas refines the mind, ensuring that speech arises from a place of wisdom rather than ignorance. The practice of chanting or reading sacred verses purifies the tongue, making it a conduit of divine vibration.
Finally, the verse concludes that such speech is called ‘vāṅma‑yama tapaḥ’ – austerity of the voice. By mastering speech, a yogi cultivates self‑control, reduces karmic accumulation, and supports spiritual progress. The restraint of speech also aids in mental concentration, an essential prerequisite for higher meditative states.
In contemporary life, this teaching is profoundly relevant. In an age of instant communication, the temptation to speak impulsively is high. Krishna’s guidance invites us to pause, verify truth, consider the impact, and ensure our words contribute to personal and collective upliftment. By practicing the austerity of speech, we align our external expressions with our inner spiritual aspirations, fostering harmony within ourselves and the world.
