Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 23

English Translation

Ignoring the precept of the scriptures, he who acts under the impulsion of passion,-he does not attain perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme Goal.

Detailed Commentary

।।16.23।। Elucidation: Those who disregard the injunctions of the *Shastras* and perform *karma*, *yajna*, *dāna*, or acts of beneficence (paropakar) which are prescribed by the *Shastras*, perform all these acts in an arbitrary and willful manner. Within them reside *kāma* (desire), *krodha* (anger), etc., which they disregard, giving importance only to external conduct. They consider themselves superior to others, even though inner sentiments are truly of greater significance. If vices dwell within, and outwardly they assume the guise of renunciates (*tyāgī*) or ascetics (*tapasvī*), they criticize others from a position of self-importance. Due to this, even their virtues transform into vices, and their *tyāga* (renunciation) degenerates into *rāga* (attachment), *āsakti* (clinging), and *bhoga* (sensual enjoyment). For this very reason, they abandon scriptural injunctions (*Shastravidhi*) and behave arbitrarily. Just as a patient desires to forsake harmful food (*kupathya*) and follow a beneficial diet (*pathya*), but due to attachment consumes the harmful food, leading to a decline in health. Similarly, these individuals also perform good deeds, but driven by *kāma*, *krodha*, and *lobha* (greed), they disregard the *Shastras* and descend towards lower states (*adhogati*). *Na sa siddhimavāpnoti* (He attains not perfection): Those who, endowed with *āsuri sampadā* (demoniac qualities), abandon the rules of the *Shastras* and perform auspicious *karma*, may achieve some fame, but they do not attain inner purity (*antaḥkaraṇa kī shuddhi*). They do not find true happiness, as the torment of *kāma* and *krodha* persists within them. Material pleasure they may acquire, but it ultimately becomes a cause of suffering. *Na parāṁ gatim* (Nor the supreme goal): They do not attain the Supreme Goal (*Paramgati*) either, because they do not believe in it, or even if they do, their actions are contrary to it. While their external conduct may be excellent, the presence of *kāma*, *krodha*, *lobha*, and *abhimāna* (pride) within transforms even good actions into vice. Connection: Since abandoning the rules of the *Shastras* does not lead to the attainment of *siddhi* (perfection) and other goals, what a human being ought to do is explained in the following verse.