Bhagavad Gita · Verse 16.23
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यः शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारतः । न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम् ॥२३॥
yaḥ śāstravidhimutsṛjya vartate kāmakārataḥ | na sa siddhimavāpnoti na sukhaṃ na parāṃ gatim ||23||
Complete Shloka Translation
One who sets aside scriptural guidance and acts according to personal desire attains neither fulfillment, happiness nor the highest goal.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| शास्त्रविधि | śāstravidhi | scriptural guidance |
| कामकार | kāmakāra | acting according to desire |
| यः | yaḥ | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
| शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य | śāstravidhimutsṛjya | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
| वर्तते | vartate | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
| कामकारतः | kāmakārataḥ | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
| सिद्धिमवाप्नोति | na | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
| सुखं | sa | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
| परां | siddhimavāpnoti | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
| गतिम् | na | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
| २३ | sukhaṃ | [term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ... |
scriptural guidance
acting according to desire
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
[term] in context of One who sets aside scriptural ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna contrasts shastra-guided discipline with desire as the sole authority. The traditional instruction concerns sacred guidance for conduct; in practical reflection it invites learning and discernment rather than treating an unexamined preference as sufficient justification.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Test an impulse against a considered ethical standard before following it."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What ethical standard helps you examine a strong desire?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.