Srimad Bhagavadgeeta : Ch-17. Slo-15.

Srimad Bhagavadgeeta :


Chapter- 17. ( Sraddha traya vibhaga yogam )

Slokam- 15. ( Lord Sri Krishna explains what is Vangmaya Tapas ( Word Tapas )



Anudvegakaram vakiyam satiyam priyahitam ca yat


Swaddhiyayabiyasanam caiva vangmayam tapa uciyate.



Anudvegakaram = Not provoking anyone,
Satiyam priyahitam ca = True, Interesting, and Comforting,
Yat Vakiyam = Words ( Sentence )-- (through ),
Swaddhiyayabiyasanam ca eva = Study of Addhiyatma ( Spiritual ) Sastra ( Scietific ) Grantham ( Texts )
Vangmayam tapa uciyate = Is known as Tapas of Words.



Word is a very strong medium. It exposes the speaker’s strength of Intelligence, Mental balance, and Atma niyantranam { control and regulation of Atma : consisting of-- [ 1. Nitiya souhrutam ( Ever Friendly ) ], 2. Samacittata ( Balance of Mind ), 3. Apratirodham ( Not defending or Opposing any ), 4. Parigrahana seelam ( Habit of readily facing any bitter and shocking events /situations ) ]
No one respects the words of one whose intelligence, balance of mind, and control of Atma is poor. Human being’s strength / energy, is lost greatly, due to words ( talking). By controlling wastage of energy is effected, thereafter this strength is available for Sadhana ( spiritual needs).


Control and regulation of words does not mean, not to talk /keep silence. The words power should be utilised for the safety of individuality /personality. It is an ART, when shared between him and others constructively. Here through this slokam Lord Krishna points “How to spend / distribute words constructively / usefully.” 


What is Tapas?( Penance ) : Meaning- by heating, discarding / throwing out the unwanted from one’s mind, otherwise accepting a law / rules of life , after patiently meditating with disciplined and pure body, word, and mind. This Tapas, is to develop and improve the one’s individuality and not to destroy him. This is emphasised in this slokam.


Anudvegakaram vakiyam :- 1. Do not provoke listeners by harsh words. 2. Our words should not wound / injure any persons emotions and indecent. Watching listener’s face , his reactions, his patience, we surly understand that our talk is in right path or not! For this one should pay attention to listener’s responses / follow ups, and speak. One may lose friends and relationships, because of his sharpness of tongue.


Satuyam, Priyam, Hitam :- The spoken words, to listener should be Satiyam (true), Priyam ( interesting/ dear and living), Hitam ( comfortable). Those words are Sreyaskaram ( enjoyable / valuable , uplifting each other, lucky, superior, and ever presentable ) One who says lies loses his chaithnyam ( divinity ). According to the ideas of one’s intelligence, the outcome of words must be True, the total change in matter by adding colours, twists, additions, omissions, and such words are lies.


Sometimes words may be true but uninteresting or uncomfortable to others, it is better to keep silence. Because the words not only true but also interesting and comforting to others, this is the exact note Lord wants us to know! Be careful and rehearse before talking – observation to this is very important.


Swaddhiyayam :- This does not mean one should keep his mouth shut, keep away from others, it is not necessary to Vangmaya tapas ( Tapas of Words ). The aim of Vangmaya Tapas is storing the veeriya ( power ) for spending for Atma-sreyas, and not to waste the power / energy through useless words ( discussions/ talking ). Swaddhiyayam means utilising opportunities to study Upanishads and so on--- texts and make self-development- which will guide one to Vangmaya tapas.


A complete narration of Spiritual practice and development necessary to all, the storage of energy and a safe way spending / sharing of this energy, these two combined programme –VANGMAYA TAPAS. Brilliant!!