Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 15

English Translation

Words that cause no agitation, that are truthful, pleasant, and beneficial, and the practice of reciting the Vedas — this is declared as the austerity of speech.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation (of 17.15) -- Anudvegakaram Vākyam (Speech that causes no agitation) -- That speech which does not create agitation, distraction, or unrest in anyone, neither in the present nor in the future, is called *anudvegakara*. Satyam Priyahitam Cha Yat (Truthful, pleasant, and beneficial) -- To speak exactly as one has read, heard, seen, and ascertained, abandoning selfishness and ego, for the purpose of enlightening others, is *satyam* (truth). That speech which is devoid of cruelty, harshness, sharpness, taunts, criticism, backbiting, and insulting words, and which is spoken with loving, sweet, simple, and peaceful words, is called *priya* (pleasant). That speech which is free from violence, envy, malice, and hostility, and is filled with love, compassion, forgiveness, generosity, and benevolence, and which does not cause harm to anyone, neither in the present nor in the future, is called *hitakara* (beneficial). Svādhyāyābhyasanam Chaiva (Self-study and practice) -- *Svādhyāya* is the self-study of scriptures conducive to spiritual progress, such as the Gita, Ramayana, Bhagavata, etc., and teaching them to others, as well as reading the lives and deeds of the Lord and His devotees. *Abhyasana* is the repeated study of scriptures like the Gita, memorizing them, chanting the names of the Lord, and offering Him praise and prayers. Cha Eva (And also) -- By these words, other aspects of the penance related to speech are also included, such as: not criticizing others, not speaking ill of others, not engaging in idle talk, not uttering words that do not lead to anyone's worldly or spiritual welfare, not reading poetry, plays, novels, etc., that obstruct spiritual practice, and not reading books that encourage lust (*kāma*), anger (*krodha*), and greed (*lobha*). Vāṅmayam Tapa Uchyate (Is called the austerity of speech) -- That in which all the aforementioned qualities are present is called the austerity of speech.