satyam vada. dharmaṃ cara. na vidyāṃ visṛjya.
“Speak the truth, follow dharma, and do not abandon knowledge.”
Structure
satyam vada dharmaṃ cara na vidyām visṛjya
tvam (you) satyam (truth) vada (speak) dharmaṃ (righteousness) cara (follow) vidyām (knowledge) na (not) visṛjya (abandoning)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| satyam | satyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | truth |
| vada | vadā | verb | √vad · laṣ-aorist · second | speak |
| dharmaṃ | dharmaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | righteousness |
| cara | carā | verb | √car · laṣ-aorist · second | follow |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vidyām | vidyāṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | knowledge |
| visṛjya | visṛjya | verb | √visṛj · gerund | having abandoned |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, satyam vada. dharmaṃ cara. na vidyāṃ visṛjya, underscores the importance of truth, dharma, and knowledge in the pursuit of Self-realization. Shankara, in his commentary on the Chāndogyopaniṣad, emphasizes that satyam (truth) refers not just to external veracity but to the ultimate reality of Brahman. Dharma, or righteous living, is a means to realize this truth, and vidyā (knowledge) is essential for understanding the non-dual nature of Brahman and ātman. By following dharma and seeking knowledge, the individual self (jīva) can comprehend its true identity with the absolute (Brahman), thereby achieving liberation. This verse, in the context of Advaita Vedānta, points to the path of self-inquiry and the realization of the ultimate non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of devotion and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, highlights the importance of following dharma as a means of pleasing the Lord and ultimately achieving liberation. The emphasis on not abandoning knowledge (na vidyāṃ visṛjya) is seen as a call to continuously seek spiritual knowledge that deepens one's understanding of and love for Īśvara. The pursuit of truth (satyam vada) is understood as living a life of honesty and integrity, which is pleasing to the Lord. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, is a reminder of the path of bhakti, where devotion, knowledge, and righteous living are intertwined in the service and love of the Supreme.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of living a truthful, virtuous, and knowledgeable life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often underscored the universal applicability of such principles. He saw truth (satyam) as a fundamental aspect of human character, necessary for personal and societal progress. The call to follow dharma (dharmaṃ cara) is interpreted as a directive to live ethically and responsibly, contributing to the greater good. The injunction against abandoning knowledge (na vidyāṃ visṛjya) is a reminder of the importance of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, is a call to action, encouraging individuals to embody these timeless principles in their daily lives, thereby fostering a more harmonious and enlightened world.