Verse 17.15

Verse 17.15: “Speech not wounding feelings, and which is (withal) truthful, pleasing and beneficial; also the regular study of one’s own Scripture: these are designated austerity of utterance. (216)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

The ‘Paris' (parisa) converts iron into gold without tearing any piece out of it: in that way is discerned one’s saintly character through his talk, which gives pleasure to those near about, (without hurting anyone). Water, while going mainly for the purpose of watering a tree also gives life (moisture) to the grass that grows in its course; in that way his talk intended for a particular individual, also proves beneficial to all others.

The holy Ganges in the form of the nectar makes immortal all the beings, renders pure and holy all by its bath, washing off all sins and troubles, and gives a sweet taste (when it is drunk). In that way his talk removes nescience, brings about one’s reunion (meeting) with the Supreme Self, and is such that one never feels in any way bored by hearing it, just as one never feels tired of a drink of nectar. He talks (only) if and when questioned or asked about anything: otherwise he is engaged in reciting the Vedas again and again or in singing the praise and the name of God. All the three Vedas including the Rigveda, are as it were installed in the home in the form of his speech, while his mouth is as it were a school for the study of Vedic philosophy. To be always reciting and repeating anyone of the names of Gods Shiva-Vishnu, is what is called the austerity of Speech. Now you hear about the austerity of the mind,” said the Lord, the Master of the protectors of the worlds (lokapāla).