Satyam vada Dharmam cara Na himsyat atmanavat

Tvaṃ (you) satyam (truth) vada (speak) dharmam (righteousness) cara (follow) na (not) hiṃsyāt (you should harm) ātmanavat (like your own self)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'Satyam vada. Dharmam cara. Na hiṃsyāt ātmanavat' is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as a fundamental guide for the seeker of truth. Speaking the truth (satyam vada) is not just about uttering factual statements but about realizing the ultimate truth, which is the non-dual nature of reality (Brahman). Following dharma (Dharmam cara) is essential for maintaining social and cosmic order, which in turn facilitates the pursuit of self-knowledge. The injunction not to harm oneself or others (Na hiṃsyāt ātmanavat) is crucial because harm to any being is harm to the Self, given that all beings are ultimately expressions of the same Brahman. This understanding is rooted in the idea of 'sarvam idam brahma' (all this is Brahman), emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of all existence. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, particularly the section where it discusses the five sheaths (pancha kosha), supports this interpretation by highlighting the layers of reality that veil the true Self, which is none other than Brahman itself.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the verse is seen as a directive for leading a life dedicated to the service of the Lord (Īśvara) and realizing one's true nature as a servant of the Lord. Speaking the truth (satyam vada) is about aligning one's words with the divine truth, and following dharma (Dharmam cara) is about adhering to the principles that guide the devotee towards the path of devotion (bhakti) and self-realization. The prohibition against harming (Na hiṃsyāt ātmanavat) reflects the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on compassion and the belief in the presence of the Lord within all beings. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, explains that the ultimate goal of human life is to realize one's inherent servitorship to the Lord, and this verse provides a foundational principle for achieving that goal through ethical living and devotion. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the Lord and the souls, would interpret this verse as a call to recognize and respect these differences while serving the Lord and all beings as His manifestations.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in a way that highlights its universal applicability and relevance to modern life. For Vivekānanda, 'Satyam vada. Dharmam cara. Na hiṃsyāt ātmanavat' is a call to ethical living that transcends religious boundaries. He emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, adherence to one's duty (dharma), and non-violence as principles that can unite humanity. In his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', he often cites such verses to inspire individuals to strive for moral excellence and spiritual growth. Rādhākrishnan, with his philosophical background, sees this verse as an encapsulation of the Vedantic vision of life, where every individual strives to realize their full potential through a path of righteousness and non-violence. He connects this verse with the broader human quest for values and meaning, arguing that its principles can guide humanity towards a more harmonious and enlightened existence.

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