satyam vada dharmaṃ cara na hiṃsyān mita ātmanah

tvam (you) satyam (truth) vada (say) dharmaṃ (righteousness) cara (practice) mita (moderate) ātmanah (of your self) na hiṃsyān (do not harm)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'satyam vada. dharmaṃ cara. na hiṃsyān mitātmanah,' is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as an instruction to embody the principles of truth, dharma, and non-violence as a means to realize the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Śaṅkara, speaking the truth (satyam vada) and following dharma are external manifestations of the inner purity of the mind. Non-violence towards all beings (na hiṃsyān mitātmanah) is crucial because it reflects an understanding of the non-dual nature of reality, where the ātman (individual self) is seen as identical with Brahman (the ultimate reality). This identity is central to Advaita Vedānta. Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra and the Upaniṣads emphasizes the importance of such virtues as a foundation for the pursuit of Self-knowledge, which ultimately reveals the brahman-ātman identity. By embracing these virtues, the seeker prepares the mind for the higher realization that transcends the distinctions and dualities of the phenomenal world.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is viewed through the lens of devotion and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, a key figure in the Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, interprets the command to speak the truth and follow dharma as essential for the cultivation of a pure heart, which is a prerequisite for loving devotion to God. Non-violence, in this context, extends to all living beings, reflecting the understanding that all jīvas are parts of the Lord and thus deserving of compassion and respect. For Rāmānuja, the practice of these virtues is a form of worship, as it aligns human actions with the divine will, promoting a life of service and surrender to the Lord. This alignment is seen as crucial for achieving spiritual liberation, where the jīva realizes its inherent dependence on and intimacy with Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, among other modern interpreters, view this verse as universally applicable and eminently practical. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of truthfulness, righteousness, and non-violence as foundational virtues for both personal and societal transformation. He saw these principles as instrumental in cultivating a strong, compassionate, and service-oriented character, which he believed was essential for the progress of humanity. Similarly, Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical and political thought, underscored the relevance of these ancient teachings in contemporary life, advocating for their adoption as guiding principles for international relations, social justice, and personal ethics. This modern interpretation highlights the timelessness and versatility of the verse, making it a call to action for individuals and societies to strive for a world based on truth, justice, and peace.

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