Shloka 5
सान्त्व-निति: (Sāntva-Nīti) — The One-Word Principle of Conciliation
यो हि नाभाषते किंचित् सर्वदा भ्रुकुटीमुख: । द्वेष्यो भवति भूतानां स सान्त्वमिह नाचरन्
yo hi nābhāṣate kiñcit sarvadā bhrukuṭīmukhaḥ | dveṣyo bhavati bhūtānāṃ sa sāntvam iha nācaran |
Wer niemals ein Wort spricht und stets mit finsterer Miene, zusammengezogenen Brauen, umhergeht, wird den Wesen verhasst; denn in dieser Welt übt er kein sāntva — keine sanft versöhnende Rede und keine beruhigende Haltung.
शक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
A harsh, closed demeanor—marked by silence and constant frowning—alienates others. One should practice sāntva: gentle, conciliatory speech and a calming manner, which supports dharma and social goodwill.
Śakra (Indra) is instructing about proper interpersonal conduct, warning that a perpetually scowling person who does not speak becomes disliked because he fails to employ soothing, friendly communication.