Shloka 69
Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
तुलामारोपितो धर्म: सत्यं चैवेति न: श्रुतम् । समकक्षां तुलयतो यतः सत्यं ततोडधिकम्
tulām āropito dharmaḥ satyaṃ caiveti naḥ śrutam | samakakṣāṃ tulayato yataḥ satyaṃ tato 'dhikam ||
ਅਸੀਂ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਹੈ—ਇੱਕ ਵਾਰ ਧਰਮ ਅਤੇ ਸੱਚ ਨੂੰ ਬਰਾਬਰ ਪੱਲਿਆਂ ਵਾਲੀ ਤਰਾਜੂ ਉੱਤੇ ਰੱਖ ਕੇ ਤੋਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ; ਤੋਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਿਸ ਪੱਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੱਚ ਸੀ, ਉਹੀ ਪੱਲਾ ਭਾਰੀ ਨਿਕਲਿਆ।
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse asserts a hierarchy of virtues: satya (truth) is presented as weightier—more decisive and foundational—than dharma in general. It implies that truthfulness is not merely one duty among others but a principle that gives moral weight and legitimacy to dharma itself.
A Brahmin speaker cites a traditional illustration: Dharma and Truth are imagined as being weighed on an evenly balanced scale. The side with Truth becomes heavier, using a vivid image to teach that truth prevails as the stronger ethical force.