यः शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारतः ।
न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम् ॥
न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम् ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
जो मनुष्य शास्त्रविधिको छोड़कर अपनी इच्छासे मनमाना आचरण करता है, वह न सिद्धिअन्तःकरणकी शुद्धि को, न सुखको और न परमगतिको ही प्राप्त होता है ॥
English
Whoever sets aside scripture and acts on desire alone does not attain perfection, happiness, or the highest state.
What this verse means
Acting only on impulse, while ignoring wise guidance, blocks real fulfilment, lasting happiness, and the highest good.
Context & commentary
On Kurukshetra, after warning Arjuna about the three inner gates of ruin, Krishna sharpens the point: a person who throws aside right guidance and follows desire alone will not reach inner fulfilment, happiness, or the highest aim. The battlefield crisis becomes a lesson in disciplined choice.
Why this verse still matters
You are about to send the text, quit the job, or spend the money because the urge is loud. The verse says impulse can feel decisive while quietly cutting off what you actually want most.
The takeaway
Freedom without guidance is not freedom at all; it can quietly close every real door.
Word-by-word translation
यः (whoever) / शास्त्रविधिम् (scriptural rule) / उत्सृज्य (having set aside) / वर्तते (acts) / कामकारतः (under the pull of desire) / न (not) / सः (that person) / सिद्धिम् (perfection) / अवाप्नोति (attains) / न (not) / सुखम् (happiness) / न (not) / पराम् गतिम् (highest state) ॥
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga — The Divine and Demoniac Natures, which contains 24 verses.
Explore related themes: discipline (14 verses), adharma (12 verses)