satyam vada. dharmaṃ cara. na hiṃsyāt ātmanavat.
“Speak the truth, follow dharma, and do not harm oneself or others.”
Structure
satyam vada dharman cara na himsyat atmanavat
tvam (you) satyam (truth) vada (speak) dharman (righteousness) cara (follow) atmanavat (towards yourself) na (not) himsyat (harm)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| satyam | satyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | truth |
| vada | vadā | verb | √vad · laṭ-present · second | speak |
| dharman | dharmaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | righteousness |
| cara | carā | verb | √car · laṭ-present · second | follow |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| himsyat | hiṃsyāt | verb | √hiṃs · liṅ-optative · third | may harm |
| atmanavat | ātmanavat | compound | karmadhāraya · "ātmanā vat" | like one's own self |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'satyam vada, dharmaṃ cara, na hiṃsyāt ātmanavat' underscores the fundamental principles of Advaita Vedānta, emphasizing the pursuit of truth and the adherence to dharma as means to realize the ultimate non-dual reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, highlights the importance of satyam (truth) as a virtue that leads to the understanding of the ātman, which is ultimately identical with brahman. The injunction to follow dharma and avoid harm to oneself and others points to the cultivation of a self-awareness that transcends the ego, leading to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. This verse, in essence, guides the seeker towards a path of self-inquiry and ethical living, paving the way for the direct experience of the non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a call to devotion and righteous living, emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, interprets the pursuit of truth and dharma as essential for cultivating bhakti (devotion) towards the Lord. The avoidance of harm to oneself and others is understood as an act of compassion and love, reflecting the divine qualities of the Lord. This verse, within the Vaiṣṇava perspective, serves as a reminder of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara and the necessity of living a life that is pleasing to the Lord, thereby fostering a deep sense of devotion and service.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal applicability of this verse, seeing it as a call to practical action and service. He interpreted 'satyam vada' as the pursuit of truth in all aspects of life, 'dharmaṃ cara' as the adherence to one's duty with selflessness, and 'na hiṃsyāt ātmanavat' as the practice of non-violence and compassion towards all beings. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical living, social responsibility, and the cultivation of a broader sense of empathy and understanding. It encourages individuals to engage in self-reflection, to stand up for truth and justice, and to work towards the betterment of society, reflecting the ideals of service and universal brotherhood that are at the heart of Neo-Vedānta.