satyam vada, dharmaṃ cara । na vidyāt svasti-rānṛtāt ॥
“Speak the truth, follow the dharma; do not deviate from the truth for a happy life.”
Structure
satyam vada dharmaṃ cara na vidyāt svastiḥ anṛtāt
tvam (you) satyam (truth) vada (speak) dharmaṃ (righteousness) cara (follow) anṛtāt (from falsehood) svastiḥ (prosperity) na vidyāt (do not know)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| satyam | satyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | truth |
| vada | vadā | verb | √vad · laṭ-present · second | speak |
| dharmaṃ | dharmaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | righteousness |
| cara | carā | verb | √car · laṭ-present · second | follow |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vidyāt | vidyāt | verb | √vid · liṅ-optative · third | let ... know |
| svastiḥ | svastiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | welfare |
| anṛtāt | anṛtāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | falsehood |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is interpreted as a fundamental principle of the righteous life. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes that speaking the truth is an essential duty, as it is a manifestation of one's inner reality. Following dharma, or righteous living, is a means to realize the ultimate truth. The phrase 'do not deviate from the truth for a happy life' is seen as a warning against the consequences of untruthfulness, which can lead to suffering and bondage. In the Advaita tradition, this verse is understood as a call to cultivate self-awareness, non-duality, and inner purity, ultimately leading to liberation. The emphasis is on the individual's responsibility to adhere to truth and dharma, regardless of external circumstances. By doing so, one can attain a state of inner peace and happiness, unshaken by the vicissitudes of life. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of ethics and morality in the pursuit of spiritual growth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as a expression of devotion to a personal deity. Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, prominent Vaiṣṇava philosophers, emphasize the importance of speaking the truth as a means of pleasing the divine. Following dharma is seen as a way of demonstrating one's loyalty and commitment to the divine will. The phrase 'do not deviate from the truth for a happy life' is understood as a warning against the dangers of self-deception and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often linked to the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, where the individual surrenders their ego and desires to the divine, seeking refuge and guidance. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity, humility, and devotion in one's spiritual journey, and the need to cultivate a deep sense of dependence on the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The Neo-Vedānta tradition, influenced by Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, interprets this verse as a call to social action and personal transformation. This verse is seen as a reminder of the importance of honesty, integrity, and moral courage in the face of adversity. Speaking the truth is understood as a means of empowering individuals and communities, and challenging oppressive systems and social injustices. Following dharma is interpreted as a call to cultivate a sense of social responsibility and to work towards the common good. The phrase 'do not deviate from the truth for a happy life' is seen as a warning against the dangers of conformity and the pursuit of short-term gains. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life of purpose, conviction, and service, and the need to balance individual aspirations with the well-being of the larger community. In this tradition, the pursuit of truth and dharma is linked to the pursuit of social justice, equality, and human dignity.