bhagavad-gitagitakrishnadaivasura-sampad-vibhaga-yoga

Bhagavad Gita 16.24 — Tasmach Chhastram Pramanam Te

श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १६.२४ — तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते

🕉️ hindu·📿 11× repetitions·🕐 Morning, before beginning study of scripture, or when facing a moral decision·📜 Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 24

Also known as: tasmach chhastram pramanam te · tasmat shastram pramanam te · bhagavad gita 16.24 · gita 16 24 · jnatva shastra vidhanoktam · scripture is the authority gita verse

📜 Complete Lyrics 📖 Word-by-Word Meaning ✨ Benefits & How to Chant ⬇️ PDF Download

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हिन्दी / देवनागरीతెలుగు தமிழ்ಕನ್ನಡ മലയാളം ગુજરાતી বাংলা ଓଡ଼ିଆ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ English සිංහල 𑌗𑍍𑌰𑌨𑍍𑌥

✦ Meaning

This concluding verse of the chapter on the divine and demoniac natures establishes scripture as the guiding authority for human conduct. Krishna teaches that in deciding what should and should not be done, one should not follow whim or desire, but the wisdom of the scriptures (shastra). By understanding what the scriptural injunctions declare and acting accordingly, a person stays on the path of dharma. It is a powerful call to live a disciplined, principled life rooted in revealed wisdom.

Origin & Story

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 24 · Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva) · Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)

In the sixteenth chapter, the Yoga of the Division between the Divine and Demoniac Natures (Daivasura-Sampad-Vibhaga Yoga), Krishna describes the qualities that elevate the soul and those that drag it down. He warns that those who cast aside scriptural injunctions and follow only their desires meet ruin. This final verse gives the remedy: make scripture your authority and act according to its guidance.

✦ As told in scripture

Seekers and householders alike who took this verse to heart, choosing scriptural guidance over impulsive desire, are said to have found their lives growing steadily in clarity, virtue and peace, as right action rooted in dharma quietly removed confusion and led them toward the divine.

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The Mantra

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तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ। ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि॥

tasmāch chhāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākārya-vyavasthitau jñātvā śhāstra-vidhānoktaṁ karma kartum ihārhasi

Meaning:Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done. Knowing what is declared by the injunctions of the scriptures, you should perform your action in this world.

Word-by-Word Meaning

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तस्मात्🔊tasmāttherefore

शास्त्रम्🔊śhāstramscriptures

प्रमाणम्🔊pramāṇamauthority, standard of proof

ते🔊teyour, for you

कार्य🔊kāryaduty, what ought to be done

अकार्य🔊akāryaforbidden action, what ought not to be done

व्यवस्थितौ🔊vyavasthitauin determining, in ascertaining

ज्ञात्वा🔊jñātvāhaving understood, having known

शास्त्र🔊śhāstraof the scriptures

विधान🔊vidhānainjunctions, ordinances

उक्तम्🔊uktamas declared, as revealed

कर्म🔊karmaaction, work

कर्तुम्🔊kartumto perform

इह🔊ihain this world

अर्हसि🔊arhasiyou should, it is fitting for you

Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 16.24 — Tasmach Chhastram Pramanam Te

✦

Provides a clear standard for deciding right from wrong action

✦

Anchors life in dharma and the timeless wisdom of the scriptures

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Protects against acting on impulse, ego or selfish desire

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Cultivates discipline, integrity and principled conduct

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Guides the seeker toward actions that uplift rather than degrade

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Builds reverence for sacred knowledge and righteous living

How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 16.24 — Tasmach Chhastram Pramanam Te

Repetitions11times

Best TimeMorning, before beginning study of scripture, or when facing a moral decision

Chant this verse when you must decide between right and wrong, or before taking up the study of sacred texts. Let it remind you to weigh your actions against the wisdom of dharma rather than passing desire. It is especially helpful for those seeking to live a disciplined, ethical life. Reflect on it to strengthen your commitment to act in accordance with revealed scriptural guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Krishna teaches that the scriptures (shastra) should be one's authority in deciding what ought to be done and what ought not to be done. By knowing and following scriptural injunctions, a person acts rightly and remains on the path of dharma.

Because in the preceding verses He describes how those who abandon scriptural guidance and act on selfish desire fall into a demoniac, degraded state. Scripture provides the tested, impartial standard that protects us from being misled by ego, impulse and craving.

Rather than limiting true freedom, it protects it. By following the wisdom of dharma instead of unchecked desire, one avoids actions that lead to suffering and bondage, and gains the real freedom that comes from a righteous, well-ordered life.

The chapter contrasts divine (daivi) and demoniac (asuri) qualities. It ends with this verse as a practical conclusion: to cultivate the divine nature and avoid the demoniac, let scripture guide your conduct, knowing and following what it ordains.