Bhagavad Gita · Verse 5.22
Chapter 5: Karma Sannyasa Yoga (कर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दुःखयोनय एव ते । आद्यन्तवन्तः कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुधः ॥२२॥
ye hi saṃsparśajā bhogā duḥkhayonaya eva te | ādyantavantaḥ kaunteya na teṣu ramate budhaḥ ||22||
Complete Shloka Translation
Pleasures born of contact are sources of suffering: they have a beginning and an end, son of Kunti. The wise do not delight in them.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ये हि | ye hi | for whatever |
| संस्पर्श-जाः | saṁsparśa-jāḥ | born of contact between senses and objects |
| भोगाः | bhogāḥ | sensory pleasures and indulgences |
| दुःख-योनयः | duḥkha-yonayaḥ | the very source and wombs of sorrow |
| एव ते | eva te | indeed they are |
| आद्यन्तवन्तः | ādyantavantaḥ | having a fleeting beginning and inevitable end |
| कौन्तेय | kaunteya | O son of Kunti (Arjuna) |
| न | na | never |
| तेषु | teṣu | in those transient pleasures |
| रमते | ramate | delights / seeks lasting bliss |
| बुधः | budhaḥ | the wise and enlightened soul |
for whatever
born of contact between senses and objects
sensory pleasures and indulgences
the very source and wombs of sorrow
indeed they are
having a fleeting beginning and inevitable end
O son of Kunti (Arjuna)
never
in those transient pleasures
delights / seeks lasting bliss
the wise and enlightened soul
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The reason given is the beginning and ending of contact-born pleasure. The teaching directs attention to its limits and to the suffering bound up with attachment.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Impermanent pleasure becomes a burden when we demand that it last."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Are you asking an impermanent pleasure to provide permanent fulfillment?
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.