What is the meaning of वाङ्मयं तपः?

Question

This is Chapter 1 of Manika Bhag 2. Can you explain the meaning and the qualities of good speech?

SanskritLearn team · Accepted Answer

**वाङ्मयं तपः** means 'the austerity of speech'. The classical verse (Bhagavad Gita 17.15) lists the qualities of speech that count as tapas:

- **अनुद्वेगकरम्** — it does not agitate or hurt anyone.
- **सत्यम्** — it is true.
- **प्रियम्** — it is pleasant.
- **हितम्** — it is beneficial.

Along with **स्वाध्याय** (regular study/recitation), such disciplined speech is itself a spiritual practice. The point: speaking truthfully *and* kindly is harder than it looks — and that effort is a real austerity.