Verse 16.23 : Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga "Divine & Demonic Natures"
Verse 23 of 24
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The Translation
“He who discards the injunctions of the scriptures and acts under the impulse of desire attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme goal.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna addresses the role of scriptural authority (shastra). In ancient India, scriptures were not dogmatic creeds, but records of cosmic laws and psychological truths discovered by sages (rishis) through deep meditation, serving as a guide for living in harmony with the cosmos.
Practical Application
1
Identify a proven framework or ethical code in your profession and commit to following it strictly.
2
Notice when you want to bend the rules for convenience, and choose to stick to the ethical path instead.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- What happens when a society rejects all ancient wisdom and moral codes, leaving everyone to act purely on their personal desires (kāma-kārataḥ)?
- How does following a structured moral discipline (shastra) actually grant you more freedom than acting on every passing whim?
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16.23
यः शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारतः
Shankara comments that 'shastra' refers to the Vedas and Upanishads which reveal the knowledge of the Self and correct paths of action. Acting according to whim destroys the mental quietude required for happiness. Discarding the scriptures means denying the accumulated wisdom of humanity, leading to confusion.