Bhagavad Gita · Verse 16.24
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ । ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि ॥२४॥
tasmācchāstraṃ pramāṇaṃ te kāryākāryavyavasthitau | jñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṃ karma kartumihārhasi ||24||
Complete Shloka Translation
Therefore let scripture be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Knowing what its guidance teaches, you should perform action here.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| प्रमाण | pramāṇa | authority or valid guide |
| कार्य | kārya | what should be done |
| तस्माच्छास्त्रं | tasmācchāstraṃ | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
| प्रमाणं | pramāṇaṃ | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
| ते | te | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
| कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ | kāryākāryavyavasthitau | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
| ज्ञात्वा | jñātvā | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
| शास्त्रविधानोक्तं | śāstravidhānoktaṃ | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
| कर्म | karma | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
| कर्तुमिहार्हसि | kartumihārhasi | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
| २४ | kartumihārhasi | [term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you... |
authority or valid guide
what should be done
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
[term] in context of Therefore let scripture be you...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The chapter closes with understanding before action: learn what shastra teaches about duty and restraint, then act. This provides the bridge to Arjuna's next question about faith and practice in Chapter 17, where the issue of guidance is explored further.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Study carefully, seek sound understanding and put ethical guidance into practice."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What guidance do you need to understand before acting?
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.