Chapter 16, Verse 24 (Bhagavad Gita 16.24)
Chapter 16: Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog – Yoga through Discerning the Divine and Demoniac Natures
Sanskrit Shloka
तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ।ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि
Transliteration
tasmāch chhāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākārya-vyavasthitau jñātvā śhāstra-vidhānoktaṁ karma kartum ihārhasi
Word Meanings
tasmāt—therefore; śhāstram—scriptures; pramāṇam—authority; te—your; kārya—duty; akārya—forbidden action; vyavasthitau—in determining; jñātvā—having understood; śhāstra—scriptures; vidhāna—injunctions; uktam—as revealed; karma—actions; kartum—perform; iha—in this world; arhasi—you should
Translation
Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Understanding the ordinances laid down by the scriptures, you should perform your actions in this world.
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, establishes the ultimate standard for human conduct. By directing Arjuna to rely on the scriptures, Shri Krishna emphasizes that divine law is the bedrock of righteous living, protecting the soul from the illusions of the ego. When a seeker aligns their actions with the sacred ordinances, they transcend the dualities of mundane existence and move closer to the eternal truth. Acting according to the wisdom of the shastras is not merely a rule, but a sacred duty that harmonizes the individual will with the divine will of Shri Krishna. Through this surrender to Vedic authority, the soul is gradually purified and prepared for liberation, finding its eternal home in the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.