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 ||
ہم نے سنا ہے کہ ایک بار دھرم اور سچ کو برابر پلڑوں والی ترازو پر رکھ کر تولا گیا؛ تول میں جس پلڑے میں سچ تھا وہی پلڑا زیادہ بھاری نکلا۔
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.