Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 38
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
अत्रापि बह्वृचैर्गीतं शृणु मेऽसुरसत्तम । सत्यमोमिति यत् प्रोक्तं यन्नेत्याहानृतं हि तत् ॥ ३८ ॥
atrāpi bahvṛcair gītaṁ śṛṇu me ’sura-sattama satyam om iti yat proktaṁ yan nety āhānṛtaṁ hi tat
Ô meilleur des asuras, écoute la preuve chantée dans la Bahvṛca-śruti : la parole prononcée précédée de « Om » est tenue pour vraie ; celle dite sans « Om » est, en vérité, mensongère.
FAQs
This verse states that what is affirmed with “om” is regarded as truth, and what is denied with “no” is considered untruth—citing the testimony of the Ṛg-vedic seers (Bahvṛcas).
While narrating Bali Mahārāja’s vow and the moral tension around keeping one’s promise, Śukadeva supports the principle of satya (truthfulness) by invoking Vedic authority—highlighting that truthful affirmation is sacred and binding.
Treat your “yes” as a sacred commitment: speak carefully, promise only what you can honor, and align your words with integrity—because truthfulness is presented as a core dharmic standard.