Let wisdom be your guide

tasmācchāstraṃ pramāṇaṃ te kāryākāryavyavasthitaujñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṃ karma kartumihārhasi

So let scripture be your guide in what to do and what not to do. Knowing its teaching, you should do your work here.

What it means

Krishna ends chapter sixteen practically. When deciding what's right, take shastra, the wisdom of scripture, as your measure. Learn what it teaches, then do your karma, your work, in this world. Not blindly, but grounded in wisdom older and deeper than any one person's moods.

The story

Arjuna has been torn about what's right. Krishna gives him a steady reference point, the long tradition of wisdom, so he doesn't have to decide alone.

In your life

Imagine a doctor checking guidelines before a difficult call, not to stop thinking, but to think well. Choose one wise text or mentor to consult when you're unsure.