Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 24

English Translation

Therefore, the scripture is your authority as regards the determination of what is to be done and what is not to be done. After understanding (your) duty as presented by scriptural injunction, you ought to perform (your duty) here.

Detailed Commentary

16.24. Explanation: Therefore, accept the *Shastra* as the authority. To understand the state of *Kartavya* (duty) and *Akartavya* (non-duty), take refuge in the *Shastra*. To accept the conduct and words of those holy *Mahapurushas* (great souls) whose glory has been sung by the *Shastras* and whose conduct is in accordance with *Shastric* principles, is equivalent to accepting the *Shastra* itself. Because those *Mahapurushas* revered the *Shastras*, and by acting in accordance with the *Shastra*, they became great souls. In reality, the conduct and ideals of those *Mahapurushas* who have attained the *Paramatma Tattva* (truth of the Supreme Self) form the very basis of the *Shastra*. The meaning of "*Shastraṁ Pramāṇam*" is that for humans who live relying on both this world (*Loka*) and the next (*Paraloka*), the *Shastra* alone is the authority in determining *Kartavya* and *Akartavya*. Arjuna, knowing the injunctions of the *Shastra*, you are capable of performing your *Kartavya*. For fortunate *Kshatriyas*, war is a bestower of *Svarga* (heaven). Therefore, do not decide *Pāpa* (sin) and *Puṇya* (merit) by your own mind, but perform your *Kartavya Karma* (obligatory action) by accepting the *Shastra* as the authority. Its implication is that the act of war itself is not binding; rather, only actions performed against the *Shastra* due to self-interest (*Svartha*) and ego (*Abhiman*) are binding, and arbitrary actions lead to degradation. A spontaneously occurring act of war, even though it appears cruel and violent, does not generate *Pāpa*. This means that *Pāpa* does not accrue when one acts according to one's inherent nature (*Svabhava*). Humans incur *Pāpa* from self-interest (*Svartha*), ego (*Abhiman*), and thinking ill of others. The meaningfulness (*Sarthakata*) of human life lies in not getting entangled in attachment (*Moha*) to the body and vital airs (*Pranas*), and performing *Shastra-vihit Karma* (actions prescribed by the *Shastra*) for the attainment of the *Paramatma*. Thus concludes the sixteenth chapter of the *Shrimad Bhagavad Gita*, known as '*Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga*'.