Chapter 17 • Verse 15
अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत्। स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते॥
anudvega-karaṁ vākyaṁ satyaṁ priya-hitaṁ cha yat svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ chaiva vāṅ-mayaṁ tapa uchyate
Meaning
Speech that causes no distress, that is truthful, pleasant, and beneficial, as well as regular recitation of scriptures — this is called austerity of speech.
Speech austerity means: words that don't agitate others, truthful speech, words that are pleasant AND beneficial (not just nice), and regular study/recitation of sacred texts. Control of speech is powerful discipline.
Strength Reflection
"I practice speech austerity: non-disturbing, truthful, pleasant, beneficial, scriptural."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, discipline my speech to be truthful, kind, and spiritually aligned.