Sadhana Panchakam, Instruction 30

Translation and Commentary by Jayaram V

4.6 Avoid speaking wasteful words

Right speech means speaking only when necessary and speaking only what is necessary and appropriate. This instruction suggests that one shall avoid unnecessary or wasteful speech. By wasteful speech (vrtha vakyam) we mean speaking words that are not useful for intended purpose, and in this case for self-transformation and self-realization. The Upanishads identify speech (vak) as a divinity (organ) and an aspect of Brahman, just as the mind, senses, breath, intelligence, etc., which are also considered his aspects or manifestations only.

Like the other organs and faculties in the body, speech is also vulnerable to evil thoughts and selfishness. Your speech can be polluted by egoism, falsehood, ignorance, desire-ridden thoughts and intentions, and the like. When speech becomes selfish in intent and purpose, it becomes a tool of the ego and a source of sinful karma and bondage. Words, greetings, mantras, prayers, chants, charms, curses, spells, blessings, etc., These are but various forms of speech only. They have the power to create, preserve, destroy, conceal and reveal desired outcomes and produce karma if they are used for selfish purposes.

On the spiritual path, silence is a virtue. When you are speaking, your mind and senses are drawn out, but when you are silent, they turn inward and become inactive. Therefore, for their own good and for the good of others, spiritual practitioners are advised to restrain their minds and bodies, including speech, and withdraw them into themselves. They are also advised to practice silence and speak only when necessary, so that they are not disturbed by frivolous talk. This is known as the austerity of speech, by which one can not only conserve a lot of energy but also save themselves and others from unnecessary problems and disturbances.

In simple terms right speech means speech which is righteous in nature, has righteousness as its source, is not selfish, does not arise from the chief evils such as lust, anger, pride, greed, envy, and is nonviolent, non-covetous, truthful, etc. Limited speech means speaking only when necessary, speaking only what is required, speaking only when one is asked to and speaking only when it is beneficial or helpful for the good of others. If the speech is going to hurt and harm someone, even if it is truthful, it shall not be spoken. Speech is also a form of action (karma) only. Therefore, the intention behind the spoken word is also important. You shall not only avoid frivolous speech but also selfish speech.

The Bhagavadgita (17.12) declares speech “which incites no passion, which is truthful and beneficial and used in the practice of self-study” as the austerity of speech (vakmaya tapah). Sattvic people practice it to cultivate equanimity and mental purity. Rajasic people use speech for fame, honor, adoration and ostentatious display (dumbah). It is selfish, desire-ridden, materialistic, wavering (canchalam), devoid of purpose (adhruvam) and lacks purity. Tamasic people engage in speech which is tainted by extreme egoism and selfishness, falsehood, foolishness and deluded (mudha) intentions. Being untruthful and insincere, they cause pain to themselves and destruction of others. This type of speech shall be avoided to prevent one’s moral and spiritual downfall.

Silence is the door to mindfulness, concentration, equanimity, discernment and self-absorption. It is the vast gulf that stands between this world (apara) and the world beyond (apara), between your limited consciousness and pure consciousness, and between immanence and transcendence. Some people stop at the edge of it and see nothing more, accepting the objective reality as the sole reality. Some cross it with faith and experience oneness with the all-knowing, infinite, pure consciousness. If you persist in the silence of your mind, you will probably reach the shore and experience the transcendental self. A spiritual aspirant, therefore, shall restrain his speech and withdraw it into himself. Withdrawing his mind and senses, abiding in the thoughts of the self, restraining his speech, thoughts and feelings, he shall practice silence, until he experiences unending and supreme tranquility.

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