Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 16 · Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 16.23 यः शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारतः
श्लोक 16.23
यः शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारतः ।
न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम् ॥
yaḥ śāstravidhimutsṛjya vartate kāmakārataḥ |
na sa siddhimavāpnoti na sukhaṃ na parāṃ gatim ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो शास्त्र की विधि को छोड़कर अपनी मनमानी से आचरण करता है, उसे न सिद्धि मिलती है, न सुख, और न परम गति।
Meaning in English
One who sets aside the guidance of scripture and acts on the impulse of desire attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme goal.
Bhagavad Gita 16.23 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यः | yaḥ | whoever |
| शास्त्रविधिम् | śāstra-vidhim | the injunctions of scripture |
| उत्सृज्य | utsṛjya | casting aside |
| वर्तते | vartate | acts |
| कामकारतः | kāma-kārataḥ | on the impulse of desire |
| न सः | na saḥ | he does not |
| सिद्धिम् | siddhim | perfection |
| अवाप्नोति | avāpnoti | attain |
| न सुखम् | na sukham | nor happiness |
| न पराम् गतिम् | na parām gatim | nor the highest goal |
Explanation
One who casts aside the guidance of scripture and acts on the impulse of desire attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the highest goal. Krishna warns that following whim instead of a tested standard of right conduct leads nowhere: not to success in this life, not to contentment, and not to liberation.
Having described the demonic nature, Krishna names its basic error: acting by desire (kāma-kārataḥ) rather than by a principle beyond oneself. Shankara takes śāstra-vidhi as the Vedic injunctions on what to do and what to avoid. Many modern readers broaden it to the accumulated wisdom of dharma and the guidance of the wise. The verse sets up Arjuna's question in 17.1 about those who worship with faith but without scriptural rules.
भावार्थ
जो मनुष्य शास्त्र की विधि को छोड़कर अपनी इच्छा के अनुसार मनमाना आचरण करता है, उसे न सिद्धि मिलती है, न सुख और न ही परम गति। केवल इच्छा के पीछे चलना कहीं नहीं पहुँचाता।
Living it today
When a choice feels driven purely by impulse, check it against a standard you trust, such as a teacher, a text or your considered values.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 16.23?
One who casts aside the guidance of scripture and acts on the impulse of desire attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the highest goal. Krishna warns that following whim instead of a tested standard of right conduct leads nowhere: not to success in this life, not to contentment, and not to liberation.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 16.23?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 16 (Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 16.23 in daily life?
When a choice feels driven purely by impulse, check it against a standard you trust, such as a teacher, a text or your considered values.
Reflected on verse 16.23?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.