Verse 5.21
Speaker: Krishna
Sanskrit
बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा विन्दत्यात्मनि यत्सुखम्। स ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा सुखमक्षयमश्नुते।।
Transliteration (IAST)
bāhya-sparśeṣv asaktātmā vindaty ātmani yat sukham। sa brahma-yoga-yuktātmā sukham akṣayam aśnute।।
Word-by-Word Meanings
बाह्यस्पर्शेषु-in external contacts
असक्तात्मा-one whose self is unattached
आत्मनि-in the Self
सुखम्-happiness
ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा-one united with Brahman through yoga
अक्षयम्-imperishable
Translation
One whose self is unattached to external contacts finds happiness in the Self. With the self united to Brahman through yoga, such a person enjoys imperishable bliss.
Commentary
True happiness is found within, not in external sense contacts. The person who has withdrawn attachment from outer objects discovers the inexhaustible joy of the Self. This inner bliss, being rooted in Brahman, is permanent - unlike sensory pleasures which are fleeting.
Themes
atmanyogamoksha