Truth (Satya) is the highest dharma in Hindu philosophy. The Mundaka Upanishad declares 'Satyameva Jayate' — truth alone triumphs — words that became India's national motto. These shlokas reveal why truthfulness is the foundation of all virtue and the ultimate path to liberation.
01
सत्यमेव जयते नानृतम्।
Satyameva jayate nanritam
✦
Truth alone triumphs, not falsehood. Through truth the divine path is spread out by which the sages attain the supreme treasure.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.6
02
सत्यं वद। धर्मं चर।
Satyam vada. Dharmam chara.
✦
Speak the truth. Practice dharma. This is the first instruction given to students in the ancient Vedic tradition.
Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11
03
सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम्।
Satyam bruyat priyam bruyat na bruyat satyam apriyam
✦
Speak the truth. Speak what is pleasant. But do not speak unpleasant truth. Nor speak pleasant falsehood. This is the eternal law.