Verse 16.24

Verse 16.24: “Therefore, the Shastra is thine authority in determining what to do and what not to do. So, after knowing what is declared by the Shastric prescription, thou wilt here do well to perform the act.” (455)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

For this reason, one who feels any pity for his own self, should not show any disregard for the dictates of the Vedas. A loyal wife follows (respects) the inclinations of her husband and automatically secures self-good: or a disciple who keeps an attentive eye on the observance of the preceptor’s words, secures a seat in the mansion of the Self; or one has to hold out light with great care (regard), should he wish to get back his own hoard kept hidden in a dark place. In that way, one who desires to have a mastery over all the (Four) Objects of Life (of a human being), must hold in high respect the dicta of the Shruti and Smriti Scriptures. He should renounce what is forbidden by the Scriptures, and should hold it as mere straw even though it might happen to be a kingdom; and he should accept such as is enjoined by the Scriptures, even though it be damned poison.

With such a staunch faith in Vedic Scriptures, could one ever be confronted by any evil, Oh Warrior? There is no mother in the world greater than the Shruti Scriptures, who protects her child from evil influences and saves and brings (it) up by giving wholesome things: One should not therefore abandon the Shruti, which leads to the attainment of the Supreme, and you too should worship it with special devotion. You are, Oh Arjuna, born in this world, on the strength of your religious acts (in the preceding lives) for making the scriptures significant (by furnishing a direct proof of their validity). You have, in natural sequence, won for yourself the designation “younger brother” of religion (dharmānuja—the follower of “dharma”: note the pun on the word “dharma” meaning religion, and Arjuna’s eldest brother) and so you should not act adversely. You should take decisions strictly as authorised by the Scriptures, while considering the fitness and propriety of actions, and you should absolutely avoid doing things definitely adjudged as evil acts..You should then carry out to its completion, with great regard and using all your strength, that which may be declared as the true duty. There is in your possession, (lit. hand), Oh Great Talent, the signet ring in the form of pure intellect with which to set the seal of absolute-universal-validity (on actions good and evil) and (so) you are perfectly qualified to guide and direct people.