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 |
ผู้ใดไม่กล่าวถ้อยคำใดเลย และมีสีหน้าบึ้งตึงคิ้วขมวดอยู่เสมอ ผู้นั้นย่อมเป็นที่ชังของสรรพสัตว์ เพราะในโลกนี้เขามิได้ประพฤติ ‘สานต์วะ’ คือวาจาอ่อนโยนและกิริยาปลอบประโลม
शक्र उवाच
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.