Chapter 16 Verse 24
Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ।ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि।।16.24।।
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 scripture be thy authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done. Having known what is said in the ordinance of the scriptures, thou shouldst act in this world.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse tells us to use sacred teaching as the standard for deciding what we should do and what we should avoid. Scripture is presented as a tested guide that helps remove confusion about right action.
It also stresses understanding before acting. Know the spirit and instruction of the teachings, not just the words, and then put them into practice in your daily life.
Ultimately, the message is practical: align your choices with wise, time-tested principles so your actions serve a higher purpose while you live in the world.
Life Application
- When you face a moral choice, pause and consult a trusted teaching or ethical guideline to see which action fits the wider good.
- Study short, clear teachings or ask a wise person to understand the meaning before you act.
- Put what you learn into small daily habits (honesty, keeping promises, compassion) so scripture shapes action, not just belief.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I unsure about what to do, and which teaching or trusted guide can help me decide?