Bhagavad Gita · Verse 5.21
Chapter 5: Karma Sannyasa Yoga (कर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा विन्दत्यात्मनि यत्सुखम् । स ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा सुखमक्षयमश्नुते ॥२१॥
bāhyasparśeṣvasaktātmā vindatyātmani yatsukham | sa brahmayogayuktātmā sukhamakṣayamaśnute ||21||
Complete Shloka Translation
Unattached to external contacts, one finds happiness in the self. United with Brahman through yoga, one enjoys happiness that does not diminish.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| बाह्यस्पर्शेषु | bāhyasparśeṣu | in external contacts |
| अक्षयम् | akṣayam | undiminishing |
| बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा | bāhyasparśeṣvasaktātmā | [term] in context of Unattached to external contact... |
| विन्दत्यात्मनि | vindatyātmani | [term] in context of Unattached to external contact... |
| यत्सुखम् | yatsukham | [term] in context of Unattached to external contact... |
| ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा | sa | [term] in context of Unattached to external contact... |
| सुखमक्षयमश्नुते | brahmayogayuktātmā | [term] in context of Unattached to external contact... |
| २१ | sukhamakṣayamaśnute | [term] in context of Unattached to external contact... |
in external contacts
undiminishing
[term] in context of Unattached to external contact...
[term] in context of Unattached to external contact...
[term] in context of Unattached to external contact...
[term] in context of Unattached to external contact...
[term] in context of Unattached to external contact...
[term] in context of Unattached to external contact...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
External contacts stand for experiences dependent on sense objects. Krishna contrasts their dependence with happiness grounded in the self and Brahman.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Consider what supports contentment beyond changing stimulation."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What supports contentment when external stimulation subsides?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master calm detachment in daily work: act with full excellence and sincerity, but like water sliding off a lotus leaf, let neither praise nor blame stain your inner composure.