tasmāc chāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākārya-vyavasthitau |
jñātvā śāstra-vidhānoktaṁ karma kartum ihārhasi ||
(Śrīmad Bhagavad-gītā: 16.24)
“Therefore, śāstra is the pramāṇa [i.e., means of knowledge] in determining what is to be done and not to be done. By understanding the stated injunctions of the śāstra hereto [i.e., in regard to karma], you become fit to perform it.”
yaḥ śāstra-vidhim utsṛjya vartate kāma-cārataḥ |
na sa siddhim avāpnoti na sukhaṁ na parāṁ gatim ||
(Śrīmad Bhagavad-gītā: 16.23)
“One who rejects the injunctions of śāstra and remains engaged in wilful behavior attains neither success, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination.”
ajñaś cāśraddadhānaś ca saṁśayātmā vinaśyati |
nāyaṁ loko’sti na paro na sukhaṁ saṁśayātmanaḥ ||
(Śrīmad Bhagavad-gītā: 4.40)
“One who is ignorant [i.e., devoid of knowledge of śāstra], devoid of śraddhā [as a result of observing differences of opinion about the meaning of śāstra], and doubtful [regarding whether something will actually lead to success] is ruined. Neither this world [i.e., any future prospect of well-being in this world], nor the next [i.e., any prospect of attaining a desirable afterlife], nor happiness [i.e., any present sense of satisfaction] exist for one who is doubtful.”
tattvam ātmastham ajñātvā mūḍhaḥ śāstreṣu muhyati |
gopaḥ kakṣa-gate chāge kūpe paśyati durmatiḥ ||
(Garuḍa Purāṇa)
“Unaware of the truth situated in the ātmā, the fool becomes bewildered in the śāstras just like a foolish cowherd who looks in a well for a goat [which he is unaware is] in his arms.”
tat te’nukampāṁ susamīkṣamāṇo
bhuñjāna evātma-kṛtaṁ vipākam |
hṛd-vāg-vapurbhir vidadhan namas te
jīveta yo mukti-pade sa dāya-bhāk ||
(Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.14.8)
“One who can perceive your grace fully and properly, endure the reactions to one’s own past actions, and live on offering obeisance unto you with mind, body, and words is an heir to the plane of mukti [i.e., freedom from ignorance and engagement in your eternal service].”
