The Yoga of the Threefold Faith

Krishna describes speech austerity—austerity of speech. 'Anuvedakaṁ ca vākyaṁ satyaṁ priyahitaṁ ca yat'—speech (vākyam) that is not causing pain (anuvedakam), truthful (satyam), pleasant (priya), and beneficial (hitam). 'Svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ caiva'—and the study (svādhyāya) and practice (abhyasanam) of scriptures. 'Vāṅmayaṁ tapa ucyate'—this is called (ucyate) speech austerity (vāṅmayam tapas). Speech austerity involves speaking truthfully, pleasantly, and beneficially, without causing pain, and studying sacred texts. This is discipline of speech—using words for truth and benefit rather than harm. Understanding this helps you recognize and practice speech austerity.