Bhagavad Gita 17.15

Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

Speech which causes no excitement, truthful, pleasant and beneficial, the practice of the study of the Vedas, are called austerity of speech.

Sanskrit

अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत् | स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते ||१७-१५||

Transliteration

anudvegakaraṃ vākyaṃ satyaṃ priyahitaṃ ca yat . svādhyāyābhyasanaṃ caiva vāṅmayaṃ tapa ucyate ||17-15||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the ideal standard for speech as part of spiritual discipline known as 'tapas'. He teaches that true austerity of words involves speaking only what is truthful, pleasant to hear, and beneficial without causing fear or agitation in others. This guidance comes from Krishna's ongoing instruction to Arjuna on how to purify one's mind through the control of body, speech, and intellect.

The Teaching Behind It

This teaching falls under the framework of Karma Yoga, specifically focusing on the purification of action through self-discipline (Tapas). It develops the concept that external actions like speech must be rooted in Sattvic qualities—clarity and harmony—to lead to spiritual liberation. The verse illustrates how controlling one's voice is a practical method for mastering the mind and aligning individual will with universal truth.

Word by Word

अनुद्वेगकरम् causing no excitement, वाक्यम् speech, सत्यम् truthful, प्रियहितम् pleasant and beneficial, च and, यत् which, स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनम् the practice of the study of the Vedas, च and, एव also, वाङ्मयम् of speech, तपः austerity, उच्यते is called

Classical Commentary

The words of the man who practises the austerity of speech cannot cause pain to others. His words will bring cheer and solace to others. His words prove beneficial to all. The organ of speech causes great distraction of mind. Control of speech is a difficult discipline but you will have to practise it if you want to attain supreme peace. Nothing is impossible for a man who has a firm determination, sincerity of purpose, iron will, patience and perseverance. It is said in Manu Smritiसत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम्।प्रियं च नानृतं ब्रूयात् एष धर्मः सनातनः।।One should speak what is true one should speak what is pleasant. One should not speak what is true if it is not pleasant nor what is pleasant if it is false. This is the ancient Dharma. Excitement Pain to living beings. Speech, to be an austerity, must form an invariable combination of all the four attributes mentioned in this verse, viz., nonexciting or nonpainful, truthful, pleasant and beneficial if it is wanting in one or the other of these attributes, it cannot form the austerity of speech. Speech may be pleasant but it it is lacking in the other three attributes, it will no longer be an austerity of speech.

Where This Happens

This verse appears in Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita during Lord Krishna's conversation with Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It follows a detailed discussion where Arjuna asks about those who perform rituals without faith or proper understanding, prompting Krishna to categorize actions based on their underlying nature (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas). At this moment in the dialogue, Arjuna is deeply engaged in seeking clarity on how his own disciplined mind and speech should align with divine will amidst the chaos of war.

Living It Out Today

Consider a workplace scenario where you must deliver feedback to an underperforming colleague; instead of speaking harshly out of frustration or remaining silent due to fear, apply this verse by choosing words that are honest yet delivered gently. By ensuring your message is beneficial for their growth and free from unnecessary agitation, you transform the conversation into a constructive tool rather than a source of conflict. This approach helps maintain professional relationships while upholding integrity during difficult decisions.

Explained for Children

Imagine your words are like seeds you plant; some make flowers grow while others create thorns that hurt people. Lord Krishna teaches us that our best 'words' should be true, kind, helpful, and never scary or upsetting to anyone who hears them. Just like practicing a musical instrument helps you play better, reading sacred stories and chanting with care is like exercise for your voice that makes it beautiful.

Daily Reflection

Today, notice how often your words arise from a place of excitement or anxiety versus calm clarity. When you speak with truth but also kindness, you transform ordinary conversation into an act of spiritual discipline. This simple shift in your voice can bring peace not only to others but to the very rhythm of your own heart.

A Practice for Today

Take three deep breaths, focusing on your next words before you speak them. Ask yourself if these words are free from agitation, honest, and truly beneficial to the listener. Rest in the quiet space where speech is offered as a sacred offering rather than just sound.

Key Teachings

The Calm Foundation
True austerity begins when speech is free from agitation, ensuring that our words do not stir up disturbance in ourselves or others. This inner stillness allows truth to flow without the interference of emotional turbulence.
Truth with Tenderness
Honesty must always be balanced by pleasantness; a harsh word, even if true, fails the test of beneficial speech. The ideal utterance is one that heals and uplifts while remaining firmly rooted in reality.
The Austerity of Listening
This verse expands austerity beyond physical fasting to include the disciplined study of sacred texts, recognizing knowledge as a vital form of purification. By engaging deeply with wisdom literature and speaking it well, we cultivate a holy discipline that refines the mind.

Themes

Speech and CommunicationSelf-Discipline (Tapas)Truthfulness (Satya)Mental PurityNon-Violence in ActionSpiritual Practice

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 6.5 18.66 9.2

Read This Next

2.47 — To understand how right action and detachment form the foundation for such disciplined conduct.
3.30 — To learn about offering all actions, including speech, to the Divine as a complete surrender.
12.15 — To see how one who is not agitated by others and does not disturb them embodies this ideal of peaceful speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is 'svādhyāya' mentioned in this verse?

Svādhyāya refers to the disciplined study of sacred texts, including reading and reciting scriptures like the Vedas or Upanishads. In this context, it is considered an austerity because it requires dedication, focus, and the repetition of holy sounds that purify the mind.

Why does Krishna say speech should cause 'no excitement'?

Speech causing 'excitement' refers to words that agitate, provoke anger, or create unnecessary emotional turbulence in others. The ideal Sattvic speech is calm and steady, preventing the listener from becoming anxious or defensive while ensuring clarity of mind.

How can I apply this verse if my boss asks me to lie?

This teaching suggests finding a truthful way to communicate without causing harm. You might choose not to participate in the deception, or you could phrase your refusal gently and beneficially so that it does not create unnecessary conflict while maintaining your integrity.

Is chanting mantras part of this 'austerity of speech'?

Yes, Krishna explicitly links the study of Vedas (svādhyāya) to austerity. Chanting sacred sounds is considered a form of Svādhyāya that disciplines the voice and mind, transforming it into an instrument of spiritual power rather than mere noise.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 17.15 →