By Swami Harshananda
Vācika literally means ‘pertaining to speech’.
Vācika, General Meaning[edit]
This word has been used more as an adjective than as a noun. As a noun it means any news or a message sent by word or mouth. As an adjective its meaning changes according to the word it qualifies. For instance, Vācika-tapas is tapas or austerity of speech.
Vācika as per Bhagavadgitā[edit]
According to the Bhagavadgitā,[1] it is a speech which is true, sweet and brings about nothing but good. It should be without agitation and anxiety. Study of one’s own branch of Veda and repetition of the divine name also come under this definition.
Vācika-doṣas[edit]
Vācika-doṣas or defects of speech are:
- Telling lies
- Castigating others
- Deeply hurting the feelings of others
- Praising oneself
- Carrying tales about others
Vācika-pāpas[edit]
Vācika-pāpas or sins committed by word of mouth are:
- Speaking very harshly
- Telling lies especially to hurt others
- Finding fault
- Raving
References[edit]
- ↑ Bhagavadgitā 17.15
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore