श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १६.२४ — तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १६.२४ — तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
तस्मात्
tasmāt
therefore
शास्त्रम्
śhāstram
scriptures
प्रमाणम्
pramāṇam
authority, standard of proof
ते
te
your, for you
कार्य
kārya
duty, what ought to be done
अकार्य
akārya
forbidden action, what ought not to be done
व्यवस्थितौ
vyavasthitau
in determining, in ascertaining
ज्ञात्वा
jñātvā
having understood, having known
शास्त्र
śhāstra
of the scriptures
विधान
vidhāna
injunctions, ordinances
उक्तम्
uktam
as declared, as revealed
कर्म
karma
action, work
कर्तुम्
kartum
to perform
इह
iha
in this world
अर्हसि
arhasi
you should, it is fitting for you
Complete Translation
इसलिए तुम्हारे लिए कर्तव्य और अकर्तव्य की व्यवस्था में शास्त्र ही प्रमाण है। शास्त्र के विधान में कहे हुए को जानकर तुम्हें इस लोक में अपने कर्म करने चाहिए।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 24
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 16.24?▼
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.
Why does Krishna emphasize scripture as the authority?▼
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.
Does this verse limit personal freedom?▼
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.
How does this verse conclude the sixteenth chapter?▼
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.
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