na hi duṣṭavacanena krūreṇa vācā vinīta-vacanena । santā hḹādayate hanti ko nu dīrgha-vacanena || 10 ||
“A gentle word conciliates, a harsh word kills; who can be propitiated by a long speech?”
Structure
na hi duṣṭa-vacaneṇa krūra-eṇa vācā vinīta-vacaneṇa santaḥ hḹādayate hanti kaḥ nu dīrgha-vacaneṇa
na (not) hi (indeed) duṣṭa-vacaneṇa (by harsh speech) krūra-eṇa (cruel) vācā (speech) vinīta-vacaneṇa (with gentle speech) santaḥ (the virtuous) hḹādayate (delights) hanti (harms) kaḥ (who) nu (indeed) dīrgha-vacaneṇa (by lengthy speech)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duṣṭa-vacaneṇa | duṣṭa-vacaneṇa | compound | tatpuruṣa · "duṣṭena vacanenā" | with harsh speech |
| duṣṭa | duṣṭa | noun | — | harsh, bad |
| vacaneṇa | vacaneṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | speech |
| krūra-eṇa | krūra-eṇa | compound | tatpuruṣa · "krūraṇā eṇā" | with cruel speech |
| krūra | krūra | noun | — | cruel |
| vācā | vācā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | speech |
| vinīta-vacaneṇa | vinīta-vacaneṇa | compound | tatpuruṣa · "vinītena vacanenā" | with gentle speech |
| vinīta | vinīta | noun | — | gentle, submissive |
| santaḥ | santaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | saints, good people |
| hḹādayate | hṛdayate | verb | √hṛd · laṭ-present · third | are pleased, delighted |
| hanti | hanti | verb | √han · laṭ-present · third | kills, hurts |
| kaḥ | kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| nu | nu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| dīrgha-vacaneṇa | dīrgha-vacaneṇa | compound | tatpuruṣa · "dīrghena vacanenā" | with lengthy speech |
| dīrgha | dīrgha | noun | — | long, lengthy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the profound impact of speech on the human psyche, underscoring the concept of non-duality. Śaṅkarācārya would interpret the gentle and harsh words as reflections of the inner self, with gentle words symbolizing the tranquil and unified nature of Brahman. The ability to conciliate through gentle speech points towards the realization of the ultimate reality, where the distinctions between the individual self (ātman) and the universal self (Brahman) dissolve. As Śaṅkara notes in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, the knowledge of Brahman is not attained through lengthy or complex speech but through the simplicity and clarity of understanding. This verse, in essence, guides the seeker towards the path of self-inquiry and the direct experience of the non-dual reality, highlighting that true communication and understanding arise from a place of inner peace and harmony, reflecting the unchanging and all-pervading nature of Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as emphasizing the importance of devotee-Īśvara (Lord) relationship. The gentle word and harsh word dichotomy can be seen as representative of the devotee's approach to the divine. A gentle word, symbolizing devotion and surrender, is capable of pleasing the Lord and achieving spiritual progress. In contrast, harsh words or a lengthy, argumentative speech may alienate the devotee from the divine. Rāmānuja's concept of 'prapatti' or surrender highlights the significance of humility and gentle devotion in approaching the Lord. This verse thus encourages the devotee to cultivate a humble and loving attitude in their prayers and interactions, recognizing that true spiritual growth and communion with the divine are fostered through gentle, sincere, and selfless devotion rather than through argument or elaborate speech.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a practical guide for modern life, emphasizing the power of speech in shaping human relationships and personal growth. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the importance of right living, often highlighted the need for kindness and compassion in our words and actions. This verse, according to him, underscores the principle that true strength lies not in aggressive or prolonged verbal exchanges but in the gentle, yet firm, expression of our thoughts and feelings. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles, would see this verse as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our daily interactions. He emphasized that in a world marked by diversity and conflict, the ability to communicate with kindness and clarity is essential for fostering global harmony and cooperation, reflecting the timeless wisdom of Vedānta in addressing the challenges of the modern world.