Chapter 16, Verse 23
य: शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारत: | न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम् ॥23॥
yaḥ śāstra-vidhim utsṛjya vartate kāma-kārataḥ | na sa siddhim avāpnoti na sukhaṁ na parāṁ gatim
"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."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna explains that the Shastras (scriptures) serve as a moral and spiritual compass. 'Vidhi' (injunctions) and 'Nishedh' (prohibitions) are designed to align human behavior with cosmic order (Dharma). When an individual casts these aside to follow 'Kama-karatah' (the whims of desire), they lose the internal stability required for 'Siddhi' (perfection), the emotional balance for 'Sukham' (happiness), and the spiritual direction for 'Param Gatim' (the supreme goal/liberation).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 16.23?
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.