satyam vada. dharmam cara. svādhyāyān mā pramadah.
“Speak the truth, follow dharma, and never be negligent of self-study.”
Structure
satyam vada dharmam cara svādhyāyān mā pramadah
tvam satyam vada tvam dharmam cara tvam svādhyāyān mā pramadah
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| satyam | satyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | truth |
| vada | vadā | verb | √vad · laṣ- imperative · second | speak |
| dharmam | dharmaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | righteousness |
| cara | carā | verb | √car · laṣ- imperative · second | follow |
| svādhyāyān | svādhyāyān | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | study of one's own scripture |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not |
| pramadah | pramādaḥ | verb | √pramad · liṅ- optative · second | be negligent |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse satyam vada, dharmam cara, svādhyāyān mā pramadah points to the ultimate reality of brahman-ātman identity. According to Shankara, the pursuit of truth (satyam vada) and the adherence to dharma (dharmam cara) are means to realize this identity. Shankara, in his commentary on the Taittirīyopaniṣad, emphasizes that self-study (svādhyāyān) is essential for understanding the true nature of the self (ātman), which is non-different from brahman. He cites the example of the mahāvākya 'tat tvam asi' (that thou art), indicating the oneness of the individual self and the ultimate reality. Through the practice of svādhyāyān, one must never be negligent (mā pramadah), as this leads to the realization of the true self and the attainment of mokṣa.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the verse is interpreted as a means to cultivate devotion to Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth (satyam vada) and following dharma (dharmam cara) as a means to pleasing Īśvara. The pursuit of self-study (svādhyāyān) is seen as a way to understand the nature of the jīva (individual self) and its relationship with Īśvara. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, highlights the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing the true nature of the self and its relationship with Īśvara. The verse is seen as a call to devotion and selfless action, leading to the attainment of mokṣa through the grace of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse satyam vada, dharmam cara, svādhyāyān mā pramadah is seen as a universal message of practical application in contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of speaking the truth and following dharma as a means to individual and societal upliftment. He saw self-study (svādhyāyān) as a means to self-realization and the attainment of spiritual growth. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, highlighted the importance of the verse in promoting a sense of responsibility and duty (dharma) towards oneself and society. The verse is seen as a call to action, promoting a life of integrity, self-discipline, and service to others, leading to the attainment of a higher state of consciousness and a more harmonious society.