Satyam vada, dharmaṃ cara. Na hiṃsyāt ātmanāḥ śarīrāt.
“Speak the truth, follow the dharma, and do not harm your own body.”
Structure
Satyam vada Dharmaṃ cara Na hiṃsyāt ātmanāḥ śarīrāt
Tvaṃ (you) satyam (truth) vada (speak), dharmaṃ (righteousness) cara (follow), ātmanāḥ (of yourself) śarīrāt (from the body) na (not) hiṃsyāt (harm)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satyam | Satyam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | truth |
| vada | vadā | verb | √vad · optative · second | speak |
| Dharmaṃ | Dharmam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | righteousness |
| cara | carā | verb | √car · optative · second | follow |
| Na | Nā | indeclinable | — | not |
| hiṃsyāt | hiṃsyāt | verb | √hiṃs · optative · third | may harm |
| ātmanāḥ | ātmanāḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of one's own self |
| śarīrāt | śarīrāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the body |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse Satyam vada, dharmaṃ cara, Na hiṃsyāt ātmanāḥ śarīrāt is a fundamental principle in the pursuit of Self-realization. According to Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, speaking the truth and following dharma are essential for the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Harm to the body, either through self-inflicted violence or neglect, is considered a hindrance to spiritual growth. The body is seen as a vessel for the Self, and its well-being is crucial for the pursuit of knowledge and liberation. In this sense, the verse is a reminder of the importance of ahimsā, or non-violence, towards oneself and others, as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the verse is interpreted as a call to devotion and surrender to the divine. Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, prominent Vaiṣṇava teachers, emphasize the importance of truthfulness and adherence to dharma as a means to attain the grace of God. The harm referred to in the verse is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual, and is seen as a result of separation from the divine. By following the principles of truth, dharma, and non-violence, the devotee can cultivate a deep sense of devotion and ultimately attain union with the divine. The verse is seen as a guide for the spiritual journey, where the ultimate goal is to realize one's true nature as a servant of the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse Satyam vada, dharmaṃ cara, Na hiṃsyāt ātmanāḥ śarīrāt is seen as a powerful call to action in the modern era. Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, influential thinkers of the Neo-Vedānta movement, interpret the verse as a reminder of the importance of living a life of integrity and compassion. The emphasis on speaking the truth and following dharma is seen as essential for individual and social transformation. The harm referred to in the verse is not only physical but also psychological and environmental, and is seen as a result of disconnection from our true nature and the world around us. By embracing the principles of truth, dharma, and non-violence, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and contribute to the creation of a more just and harmonious society.