AKV

 A

The phrase “anudvega-karaṁ vākyam” comes from Bhagavad Gita (17.15), which describes austerity of speech (vāṅ-maya tapaḥ).

Sanskrit (full verse):

anudvega-karaṁ vākyaṁ
satyaṁ priya-hitaṁ ca yat
svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ caiva
vāṅ-mayaṁ tapa ucyate

Translation:

Speech that does not agitate others, that is truthful, pleasant, and beneficial, and also the regular study and recitation of sacred knowledge—this is called the austerity of speech.

Word-by-word:

• anudvega-karam — not causing distress, agitation, or anxiety

• vākyam — speech, words

• satyam — truthful

• priya — pleasant, agreeable

• hitam — beneficial, conducive to welfare

• svādhyāya-abhyasanam — study and recitation of sacred texts

• vāṅ-mayam tapaḥ — austerity (discipline) of speech

The verse teaches that right speech is not merely truthful, but should also be non-hurtful, kind, and beneficial. Truth spoken harshly is not the ideal described here; speech should satisfy all four qualities: truthful, gentle, beneficial, and non-agitating.