Editing Ethical Frameworks from Indian Philosophies (section)

==== '''The Role of Śāstra in Defining Morality''' ====
In Bharatiya culture, the Śāstra serves as a guiding authority for understanding what is right and wrong. As Shri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita:

"तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ |

ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि || 24||"

"Tasmāch chhāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākārya-vyavasthitau

jñātvā śhāstra-vidhānoktaṁ karma kartum ihārhasi"

(Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Understand the scriptural injunctions and teachings, and then perform your actions in this world accordingly.)

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of sacred scriptures in discerning right from wrong actions, underscoring the role of these texts as a moral and ethical compass in life.

Sometimes, even well-intentioned people say, “I do not care for rules. I follow my heart and do my own thing.” It is all very well to follow the heart, but how can they be sure that their heart is not misleading them? As the saying goes, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Thus, it is always wise to check with the scriptures whether our heart is truly guiding us in the proper direction. The Manu Smṛiti states:

"भूतं भव्यं भविष्यं च सर्वं वेदात् प्रसीधति" (12.97)

"Bhūtaṁ bhavyaṁ bhaviṣhyaṁ cha sarvaṁ vedāt prasidhyati"

(The authenticity of any spiritual principle of the past, present, or future, must be established based on the Vedas.)

Hence, Shree Krishna concludes by instructing Arjun to comprehend the teachings of the scriptures and act according to them.