Today's Vedika insight
25 September 2026 · Bhagavad Gītā 17.15
अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत् । स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते ॥ १७.१५ ॥
anudvega-karaṃ vākyaṃ satyaṃ priya-hitaṃ ca yat | svādhyāyābhyasanaṃ caiva vāṅ-mayaṃ tapa ucyate || 17.15 ||
“Speech that does not cause agitation, that is truthful, pleasing and beneficial, together with regular recitation and study, is called austerity of speech.”
Vedika literal rendering; checked against the Sanskrit and major Bhagavad Gītā commentarial traditions.
“Truth is not a licence for needless injury. Disciplined speech holds truth, benefit and manner together.”
Bhagavad Gītā 17.15
Vedika commentary
Speech can be factually correct yet careless in timing, tone or purpose. The verse asks us to take responsibility for both truth and effect without turning kindness into concealment.
Vedika distinguishes the original Sanskrit, a literal rendering, and an interpretive paraphrase so that the words of the text are never confused with explanation.
Source
Bhagavad Gītā 17.15
Traditional commentary
Bhagavad Gītā commentarial traditions
Explanation
Vedika