Bhagavad Gita 17.15
Krishna to Arjunaअनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत् ।स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते ॥ १५ ॥
Transliteration
anudvegakaraṃ vākyaṃ satyaṃ priyahitaṃ ca yatsvādhyāyābhyasanaṃ caiva vāṅmayaṃ tapa ucyate
Speech that causes no agitation, that is truthful, welcome, and beneficial, together with the repeated study of sacred text, is called the austerity of speech.
Original King of Dwarka translationReflection inspired by Bhagavad Gita 17.15
Truth can be spoken with care, and gentleness can remain honest. The verse asks more of speech than the relief of saying whatever we feel. Before a difficult conversation, it offers several things to hold together: accuracy, the listener’s good, and the manner of speaking.
Source & context
Krishna is distinguishing disciplines of body, speech and mind. Speech is assessed through truth, gentleness and benefit, alongside repeated sacred study or recitation. Pleasantness alone does not meet the verse’s full standard.