Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 5 · Karma Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 5.21 बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा विन्दत्यात्मनि
श्लोक 5.21
बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा विन्दत्यात्मनि यत्सुखम् ।
स ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा सुखमक्षयमश्नुते ॥
bāhyasparśeṣvasaktātmā vindatyātmani yatsukham |
sa brahmayogayuktātmā sukhamakṣayamaśnute ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जिसका मन बाहरी विषयों में आसक्त नहीं है, वह आत्मा में ही सुख पाता है। ब्रह्म के साथ योग में जुड़ा हुआ वह अक्षय आनंद का अनुभव करता है।
Meaning in English
One who is not attached to outer sense contacts finds the joy that is within the Self. United with Brahman through yoga, such a person enjoys unending happiness.
Bhagavad Gita 5.21 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| बाह्यस्पर्शेषु | bāhya-sparśeṣu | to external contacts |
| असक्तात्मा | asaktātmā | one whose mind is unattached |
| विन्दति | vindati | finds |
| आत्मनि | ātmani | in the self |
| यत् सुखम् | yat sukham | the joy that |
| सः | saḥ | he |
| ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा | brahma-yoga-yuktātmā | one whose self is united with Brahman through yoga |
| सुखम् | sukham | happiness |
| अक्षयम् | akṣayam | imperishable |
| अश्नुते | aśnute | enjoys |
Explanation
One whose mind is not attached to external sense contacts finds the joy that lies within the self. United with Brahman through yoga, such a person enjoys a happiness that does not decay. Inner joy replaces the hunt for outside stimulation.
Krishna now turns to the nature of happiness, a theme continued through 5.24. Shankara reads the inner joy as the bliss of the Self, which is uncovered when outer cravings subside. Ramanuja understands it as the joy of experiencing the self, which leads on to the greater joy of the Lord. The verse does not condemn the senses; it points out that lasting happiness has a different source from fleeting contact with objects.
भावार्थ
बाहरी विषयों में आसक्ति न रखने वाला पुरुष आत्मा में जो सुख है, उसे पाता है; ब्रह्म से योगयुक्त वह पुरुष अक्षय सुख का अनुभव करता है। उसे बाहरी उत्तेजना की आवश्यकता नहीं रहती।
Living it today
Spend a few minutes each day without screens or snacks, simply sitting; notice the quiet contentment that is there when nothing is being added.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 5.21?
One whose mind is not attached to external sense contacts finds the joy that lies within the self. United with Brahman through yoga, such a person enjoys a happiness that does not decay. Inner joy replaces the hunt for outside stimulation.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 5.21?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 5 (Karma Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 5.21 in daily life?
Spend a few minutes each day without screens or snacks, simply sitting; notice the quiet contentment that is there when nothing is being added.
Reflected on verse 5.21?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.