Satyam vada. Dharmam chara. Na hiṃsyāt ātmanah.
“Speak the truth, follow dharma, and do not harm yourself.”
Structure
Satyam vada Dharmam chara Na himsyat atmanah
Tvaṃ (you) satyam (truth) vada (say) dharmam (righteousness) chara (follow) na (not) hiṃsyāt (you should harm) ātmanah (yourself)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satyam | Satyam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | truth |
| vada | vadā | verb | √vad · optative · second | speak |
| Dharmam | Dharmam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | righteousness |
| chara | carā | verb | √car · optative · second | follow |
| Na | Nā | indeclinable | — | not |
| himsyat | hiṃsyāt | verb | √hiṃs · optative · third | may harm |
| atmanah | ātmanah | noun | genitive or ablative · singular · masculine | of oneself |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'Satyam vada. Dharmam chara. Na hiṃsyāt ātmanah,' underscores the non-dual essence of reality by emphasizing truth, dharma, and non-violence towards oneself. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, highlights the importance of realizing the ātman (self) as untouched by actions, thus aligning with the concept of 'Na hiṃsyāt ātmanah' (do not harm yourself). By advocating for truth and adherence to dharma, the verse indirectly points to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is ultimately one with the universal consciousness. This alignment with dharma and truth facilitates the introspection necessary for understanding the non-dual nature of reality, as discussed in the Chāndogyopaniṣad itself.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets 'Satyam vada. Dharmam chara. Na hiṃsyāt ātmanah' through the lens of bhakti (devotion) and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of truth and dharma as means to attain proximity to Īśvara. By following dharma and speaking the truth, the jīva cultivates a pure heart, which is essential for devotional service. The injunction 'Na hiṃsyāt ātmanah' is seen as a call to protect one's spiritual essence, ensuring that one's actions and thoughts are in harmony with the divine will, thereby fostering a deeper connection with Īśvara. This interpretation underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the path of devotion as the ultimate means to realize one's true nature and relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): 'Satyam vada. Dharmam chara. Na hiṃsyāt ātmanah' is viewed in Neo-Vedānta as a universal call to ethical living and self-realization. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the practical application of such Upaniṣadic teachings, advocating for truthfulness, moral integrity, and non-violence as foundational principles for both individual and societal progress. This verse, with its emphasis on truth, dharma, and self-preservation, resonates with Vivekānanda's vision of a holistic and inclusive spirituality that seeks to uplift humanity. S. Rādhākrishnan further highlights the contemporary relevance of these principles, noting that in a world fraught with conflict and division, the adherence to truth, the practice of dharma, and the avoidance of self-harm are more crucial than ever, serving as pillars for personal growth, social harmony, and global understanding.