Chapter 16 Verse 23
Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
यः शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारतः।न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम्।।16.23।।
yaḥ śhāstra-vidhim utsṛijya vartate kāma-kārataḥ na sa siddhim avāpnoti na sukhaṁ na parāṁ gatim
Word Meanings
| yaḥ | who |
| śhāstra-vidhim | scriptural injunctions |
| utsṛijya | discarding |
| vartate | act |
| kāma-kārataḥ | under the impulse of desire |
| na | neither |
| saḥ | they |
| siddhim | perfection |
| avāpnoti | attain |
| na | nor |
| sukham | happiness |
| na | nor |
| parām | the supreme |
| gatim | goal |
Translation
He who, having cast aside the ordinances of the scriptures, acts under the impulse of desire, does not attain perfection, nor happiness, nor the Supreme Goal.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse warns that when a person ignores spiritual teachings or moral rules and acts only from desire, they do not reach true success. Short-term pleasures born of impulse cannot bring lasting peace, fulfillment, or the highest spiritual goal.
Desires pull the mind outward and create habits that bind us to repeating the same mistakes. Scriptural teachings point to wise, steady action and self-control that lead to inner growth and freedom.
Following higher guidance is not about pain-free living but about choosing actions that build lasting well‑being and spiritual progress rather than momentary gain.
Life Application
- Before acting, pause and ask whether this choice matches your deeper values or only satisfies a passing want.
- Set small, clear rules for yourself (honesty, temperance, mindful speech) to reduce impulsive decisions.
- Regularly read or reflect on teachings that remind you of long-term goals so desire does not constantly steer your life.
Reflection Question
What recent choice did I make from desire rather than from my deeper values?