Chapter 17, Verse 15 (Bhagavad Gita 17.15)
Chapter 17: Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog – Yoga through Discerning the Three Divisions of Faith
Sanskrit Shloka
अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत्।स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते
Transliteration
anudvega-karaṁ vākyaṁ satyaṁ priya-hitaṁ cha yat svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ chaiva vāṅ-mayaṁ tapa uchyate
Word Meanings
anudvega-karam—not causing distress; vākyam—words; satyam—truthful; priya- hitam—beneficial; cha—and; yat—which; svādhyāya-abhyasanam—recitation of the Vedic scriptures; cha eva—as well as; vāṅ-mayam—of speech; tapaḥ—austerity; uchyate—are declared as
Translation
Speech that causes no agitation, is truthful, pleasant, and beneficial, and the regular recitation of the Vedas, is known as the austerity of speech.
Meaning & Commentary
Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, instructs Arjuna on the sanctification of one's speech, which is a powerful instrument of the soul. By avoiding words that disturb or provoke, and instead anchoring one's communication in truth and benevolence, a devotee aligns their external expressions with the divine order. Bhagwan Shri Krishna emphasizes that speech should not only be honest but also deeply compassionate and conducive to the spiritual growth of others. Through the regular study and recitation of the Vedas, the intellect becomes refined, and the devotee gradually overcomes the egoistic patterns of thought. Ultimately, Yogeshwar Krishna teaches that controlling one’s speech is a vital discipline on the path to liberation, transforming mere words into a focused offering of devotion.