तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ।ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि।।16.24।।
tasmāccaḥ śāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākāryavyavasthitau | jñātvā śāstra‑vidhāna‑uktam karma kartum iha arhasi ||16.24||
Translation
Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Knowing the scriptural injunctions, you ought to act accordingly in this world.
Word Meanings
tasmāt — therefore; śāstram — the scriptures; pramāṇam — evidence; te — your; kārya — duty; akārya — and forbidden activities; vyavasthitau — in determining; jñātvā — knowing; śāstra — of scripture; vidhāna — the regulations; uktam — as declared; karma — work; kartum — do; iha — in this world; arhasi — you should.
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna urges Arjuna to place the revealed scriptures (śāstra) as the ultimate source of guidance when faced with the dilemma of right and wrong actions. The term tasmāt (therefore) signals that this instruction follows the previous verses where the nature of divine and demonic qualities was described, establishing the need for a reliable standard. The shastra is not a vague moral compass but a concrete pramāṇa—an evidence or means of knowledge—capable of distinguishing kārya (proper duty) from akārya (forbidden activity).
The phrase kārya‑akārya‑vyavasthita‑au emphasizes the process of systematic evaluation. It directs the seeker to use the scripture to methodically assess each potential action, ensuring that the motivation and outcome align with dharma. This procedural approach prevents subjective bias, which can arise when personal desires are mistaken for righteous intent. By insisting on jñātvā (knowing) the scriptural regulations, Krishna underscores that mere familiarity is insufficient; one must internalize and comprehend the deeper rationale behind each injunction.
The verse also highlights the practical aspect of spirituality. Krishna does not ask Arjuna to retreat into isolated contemplation; instead, he instructs him to act—karma kartum—in the world (iha). The integration of knowledge and action is a hallmark of the Gita’s teaching: true wisdom manifests through appropriate deeds. The term arhasi (you should) carries a sense of duty, implying that once the scriptural guidance is understood, inaction or hesitation is unacceptable. The warrior’s role, therefore, is to translate inner clarity into outer conduct, embodying the principle of yoga—union of thought, word, and deed.
From a broader philosophical perspective, this instruction serves as a safeguard against the antinomian temptations that can arise from spiritual confidence. By anchoring decisions in śāstra, the seeker avoids the pitfall of self‑justified moral relativism. Moreover, the verse reflects the Gita’s universal relevance: whether one is a warrior, a student, or a household head, the same method of consulting timeless wisdom before acting applies. It affirms that dharma is not static but contextual, requiring continual reference to the living tradition of the scriptures.
Finally, Krishna’s counsel reaffirms the Gita’s central message—action performed in alignment with divine knowledge leads to liberation, whereas actions based on ignorance bind the soul. By following the scriptural compass, Arjuna, and by extension every aspirant, can navigate life’s complexities with confidence, ensuring that every deed contributes to spiritual advancement rather than entanglement in material illusion.
