Chapter 16 · Verse 24 of 24
The Yoga of the Division between Divine and Demoniac Natures
दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोग
Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Therefore, in matters of what ought to be done and what not (what is ethical and unethical), let the scriptures be your authentic guide. Recognizing this, one should act in accordance with the scriptural injunctions. (16:24)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ ।
ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि॥
Word-by-word
तस्मात् शास्त्रम् प्रमाणम् ते कार्य-अकार्य-व्यवस्थितौ;
ज्ञात्वा शास्त्र-विधान-उक्तम् कर्म कर्तुम् इह अर्हसि।
Commentary
Regarding "scriptures," please refer to the note accompanying the first verse of this chapter. Hindu scriptures are diverse and encompass varying perspectives. However, with the advent of the Bhagavad-Gitā, it emerged as the preeminent scripture. This sacred text holds a unique position as the most authentic scripture since it is considered the direct Word of God. While the teachings of other scriptures are respected, their prescriptions are deemed acceptable only inasmuch as they align with and do not contradict the teachings and intentions of the Bhagavad-Gitā.