Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## The Flaw of False Speech and the Glory of Truthful Speech
This passage originates from the second chapter of the Yoga Shastra, verses 62 to 64. The word "Raurava" is commonly used to refer to hell. Otherwise, it is said - in all the hells. What will be the fate of those who contradict the teachings of Shri Jineshwardev and are false speakers, heretics, and those who follow their own opinions? They will attain a fate even worse than hell! Who can stop them from attaining this terrible fate? Therefore, it is said - "Oh! Truly, they are worthy of sorrow and regret." Even a slight deviation from the path of Jina's teachings, or a different interpretation, is a terrible sin, worse than all other sins. Due to the sin of even a slight deviation from the path of Rishabhdev, as established in the Marichi kalpa, even though he was praised by the gods in the Mahavira kalpa and was a Tirthankara, the Supreme Being, in all three realms, Prabhu (Mahavira) suffered countless torments inflicted by cowherds and others. And many great sinners, like those who kill women, cows, Brahmins, and unborn beings, have attained liberation in the same life. This is well-known. ||62||
Having explained the consequences of false speech, now the praise of truthful speech is given. ||119||
"Those who speak only truth, the root of knowledge and conduct, their feet dust purifies the earth." ||63||
**Meaning:** Truth is the root cause of knowledge and conduct. The commentators of the Bhagavad Vachana, following their own words, have said - "Naanakiryahim Mokkho" (Knowledge and conduct lead to liberation). The word "knowledge" also includes "darshan" (right perception). Because without darshan, knowledge is considered ignorance. A being with a false perception (mithyadrishti) perceives the true and false substances in a reversed manner. Their knowledge is based on their own opinions, leading to worldly wandering, and being a mere speaker of words without any real meaning, it does not bear the fruit of right knowledge. It is also said - "Because a being with a false perception does not differentiate between truth and falsehood, it is the cause of worldly wandering. Due to their own intellectual imagination, they create their own meanings, and thus, they are not bound by the scriptures or relative to the scriptures. Therefore, their (false) knowledge does not lead to detachment. This is why the knowledge of a being with a false perception is considered ignorance." ||63||
The influence of truthful speakers is also described in this world. ||1.20||
"Those who are wealthy in the great treasure of truth, do not speak falsehood. Neither ghosts, nor spirits, nor snakes, nor any other beings can harm them." ||64||
**Meaning:** Ghosts, spirits, and other beings harass their relatives. Snakes and lions are understood by implication. But those souls who are wealthy in the great treasure of truth, and do not speak falsehood, cannot be harassed by ghosts and others. In this regard, another verse (with meaning) says - "Truth is the second vow, like the embankment of a reservoir, protecting the water of non-violence. If the vow of truth is broken, the reservoir of non-violence will be unprotected and destroyed. Therefore, virtuous men should speak only truth, which is beneficial to all beings, or else they should remain silent, which is beneficial to all. One should not speak words that cause enmity, reveal someone's secret, create intense doubt, or are doubtful, violent, or gossipy. But if there is a destruction of dharma, a loss of action, or a loss of the true meaning of the principles of truth, then a powerful person should speak without being asked, to rectify it. Charvaka, Nastika, Kaulika, Vipra, Bauddha, Pancharatra, etc., have filled the world with falsehood and ridiculed it. Truly, the words that come out of their mouths are like the flow of a city drain, like foul-smelling water mixed with mud. A tree burnt by fire can become green again, but a person burnt by the fire of harsh words does not become green again in this world, by attaining the true path of dharma. Sandalwood, moonlight, Chandrakant gem, and a pearl necklace do not give as much joy as the true speech of humans."