tataste manuṣyeṇa vacastvayā kṛtaṃ yathā । na tad-vṛthā pravṛttaṃ ca na cāpyatha satyam ॥
“The words spoken by you to the forester should not be untrue or futile.”
Structure
tatas, te, manuṣyeṇa, vacas, tvayā, kṛtam, yathā, na, tat, vṛthā, pravṛttam, ca, na, ca, api, atha, satyam
tatas (then) te (your) manuṣyeṇa (by the man) tvayā (by you) vacas (the words) kṛtam (were spoken) yathā (as) na (not) tat (that) vṛthā (in vain) pravṛttam (were spoken) ca (and) na (not) ca (and) api (also) atha (then) satyam (the truth)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatas | tatas | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to you |
| manuṣyeṇa | manuṣyeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by a man / by Manu |
| vacas | vacas | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | speech, words |
| tvayā | tvayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by you |
| kṛtam | kṛtam | verb | √kṛ · past participle · third | done, made |
| yathā | yathā | indeclinable | — | as, in the manner that |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tat | tat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| vṛthā | vṛthā | indeclinable | — | in vain, uselessly |
| pravṛttam | pravṛttam | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | undertaken, begun |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, in that case |
| satyam | satyam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | truth, true |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa highlights the importance of truthfulness in one's words and actions. According to Advaita Vedānta, the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the individual self (ātman) is not separate from it. The words spoken by the individual should reflect this understanding, being true to the nature of reality. Untruth or futility in speech is considered a hindrance to spiritual growth, as it creates a separation between the individual's words and actions, and the ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya would likely interpret this verse as emphasizing the need for the individual to align their words and actions with the ultimate truth, thereby realizing the non-dual nature of reality. This alignment is crucial for achieving liberation (mokṣa) from the cycle of birth and death. The emphasis on truthfulness in speech is also reflected in the concept of satya, one of the key virtues in Hinduism, which is considered essential for spiritual growth and self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a reflection of the importance of devotion (bhakti) and surrender to the divine. The words spoken by the individual should be an expression of their devotion and commitment to the divine will. Untruth or futility in speech is considered a sign of lack of devotion and surrender, and is seen as a obstacle to achieving spiritual growth and liberation. Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya would likely interpret this verse as emphasizing the need for the individual to cultivate devotion and surrender, and to align their words and actions with the divine will. This alignment is achieved through the practice of bhakti, which involves the cultivation of love and devotion for the divine, and the surrender of one's ego and individual will to the divine will. The Vaiṣṇava tradition also emphasizes the importance of the guru-disciple relationship, where the guru guides the disciple on the path of devotion and spiritual growth.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be seen as emphasizing the importance of authenticity and integrity in one's words and actions. Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan would likely interpret this verse as highlighting the need for the individual to cultivate a sense of self-awareness and self-honesty, and to align their words and actions with their deeper values and principles. Untruth or futility in speech is seen as a sign of lack of self-awareness and self-honesty, and is considered a hindrance to personal growth and spiritual development. The modern interpretation also emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and autonomy, and the need for the individual to take responsibility for their own thoughts, words, and actions. This approach is reflected in the concept of swādhīnata, or self-rule, which is considered essential for achieving true freedom and liberation. The emphasis on self-awareness and self-honesty is also reflected in the concept of ātma-vichāra, or self-inquiry, which is considered a key aspect of spiritual growth and self-realization.