Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18 · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 18.38 विषयेन्द्रियसंयोगाद्यत्तदग्रेऽमृतोपमम्
श्लोक 18.38
विषयेन्द्रियसंयोगाद्यत्तदग्रेऽमृतोपमम् ।
परिणामे विषमिव तत्सुखं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥
viṣayendriyasaṃyogādyattadagre'mṛtopamam |
pariṇāme viṣamiva tatsukhaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो सुख इंद्रियों और विषयों के संयोग से उत्पन्न होता है, जो आरंभ में अमृत के समान परंतु परिणाम में विष के समान होता है, वह राजसी माना गया है।
Meaning in English
The happiness that arises from the contact of the senses with their objects, which is like nectar at first but like poison in the end, is considered rajasic.
Bhagavad Gita 18.38 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| विषयेन्द्रियसंयोगात् | viṣaya-indriya-saṃyogāt | from contact of senses with their objects |
| यत् | yat | which |
| तत् | tat | that |
| अग्रे | agre | at first |
| अमृतोपमम् | amṛta-upamam | like nectar |
| परिणामे | pariṇāme | in the end |
| विषम् | viṣam | poison |
| इव | iva | like |
| तत् | tat | that |
| सुखम् | sukham | happiness |
| राजसम् | rājasam | rajasic |
| स्मृतम् | smṛtam | is held to be |
Explanation
The happiness that arises from contact between the senses and their objects, which feels like nectar at first but turns to poison in the end, is held to be rajasic. It is quick, vivid pleasure that leaves behind craving, depletion or regret.
This reverses the image of 18.37. Shankara says such pleasure wastes strength, vigour, wisdom and wealth over time. Ramanuja notes that it leads to rebirth and suffering. The insight recalls 5.22, where pleasures born of contact were called wombs of sorrow. Modern readers often apply it to habits of compulsive consumption, where the first taste is sweet and the long-term cost is high.
भावार्थ
जो सुख विषयों और इन्द्रियों के संयोग से होता है, जो आरम्भ में अमृत के समान परन्तु परिणाम में विष के समान है, वह राजस सुख कहा गया है।
Living it today
Before reaching for a quick pleasure, think of how you will feel an hour or a week later. Let that guide the choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 18.38?
The happiness that arises from contact between the senses and their objects, which feels like nectar at first but turns to poison in the end, is held to be rajasic. It is quick, vivid pleasure that leaves behind craving, depletion or regret.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 18.38?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 18 (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.38 in daily life?
Before reaching for a quick pleasure, think of how you will feel an hour or a week later. Let that guide the choice.
Reflected on verse 18.38?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.