Bhagavad Gita 17.15 — Anudvega-karam Vakyam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १७.१५ — अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अनुद्वेगकरम्
anudvega-karam
not causing agitation or distress
वाक्यम्
vākyam
speech, words
सत्यम्
satyam
truthful
प्रियहितम्
priya-hitam
pleasant and beneficial
च
cha
and
यत्
yat
which
स्वाध्याय
svādhyāya
study of scriptures / recitation of the Vedas
अभ्यसनम्
abhyasanam
the practice, regular cultivation
च एव
cha eva
and also
वाङ्मयम्
vāṅ-mayam
of speech, pertaining to the tongue
तपः
tapaḥ
austerity, penance
उच्यते
uchyate
is called, is said to be
Complete Translation
Speech that causes no agitation, that is truthful, pleasant and beneficial, along with the regular practice of scriptural study (recitation of the Vedas) — this is called the austerity of speech.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 15
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the seventeenth chapter, Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga, Krishna explains how faith and conduct are colored by the three gunas. Describing austerity of body, speech and mind, he gives this definition of the austerity of speech: words that are non-agitating, truthful, pleasant and beneficial, joined with the study of scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'austerity of speech' in Bhagavad Gita 17.15?▼
It is the discipline of speaking words that do not disturb others, that are truthful, pleasant and beneficial, together with the regular practice of scriptural study. Krishna calls this the tapas (austerity) of the tongue.
What are the qualities of right speech in this verse?▼
Right speech has four marks here: anudvega-karam (non-agitating, not hurtful), satyam (truthful), priya (pleasant and agreeable), and hitam (beneficial). Together these ensure one's words are both true and kind, and genuinely helpful.
What if the truth is unpleasant — should I still speak it?▼
The verse asks that speech be truthful, pleasant and beneficial together. The ideal is to convey what is true in a way that is kind and constructive. When a hard truth must be told, this teaching guides one to deliver it gently, with care for the listener's welfare.
Why is studying scripture included in the austerity of speech?▼
Svadhyaya — regular recitation and study of sacred texts — trains and sanctifies the tongue, fills the mind with elevating words, and naturally inclines one toward truthful, beneficial speech. So it is counted as part of the discipline of speech.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →