Chapter 18 Verse 38
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
विषयेन्द्रियसंयोगाद्यत्तदग्रेऽमृतोपमम्।परिणामे विषमिव तत्सुखं राजसं स्मृतम्।।18.38।।
viṣhayendriya-sanyogād yat tad agre ’mṛitopamam pariṇāme viṣham iva tat sukhaṁ rājasaṁ smṛitam
Word Meanings
| viṣhaya | with the sense objects |
| indriya | the senses |
| sanyogāt | from the contact |
| yat | which |
| tat | that |
| agre | at first |
| amṛita-upamam | like nectar |
| pariṇāme | at the end |
| viṣham iva | like poison |
| tat | that |
| sukham | happiness |
| rājasam | in the mode of passion |
| smṛitam | is said to be |
Translation
That happiness which arises from the contact of the senses with the objects, which is initially like nectar but eventually like poison, is said to be Rajasic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse warns that pleasures born from sense contact look sweet at first but turn poisonous over time. These are called rajasic — driven by desire and restlessness.
Spiritually, such pleasures bind the mind to craving and disappointment. They give short-lived highs but lead to anxiety, loss, or guilt later.
True, steady joy comes from inner growth, right action, and calm awareness rather than chasing sensory thrills that fade or harm.
Life Application
- Before acting on a strong urge, pause and ask whether it will help you long-term or cause harm later.
- Set simple limits (mealtimes, screen time, spending) so small pleasures don’t control you.
- Build steady habits—meditation, service, regular rest—that give lasting satisfaction instead of quick fixes.
Reflection Question
Which recent pleasure felt sweet at first but left you worse off later?