Chapter 2 Verse 59
Sānkhya Yog
विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः। रसवर्जं रसोऽप्यस्य परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते।।2.59।।
viṣhayā vinivartante nirāhārasya dehinaḥ rasa-varjaṁ raso ’pyasya paraṁ dṛiṣhṭvā nivartate
Word Meanings
| viṣhayāḥ | objects for senses |
| vinivartante | restrain |
| nirāhārasya | practicing self restraint |
| dehinaḥ | for the embodied |
| rasa-varjam | cessation of taste |
| rasaḥ | taste |
| api | however |
| asya | person’s |
| param | the Supreme |
| dṛiṣhṭvā | on realization |
| nivartate | ceases to be |
Translation
The objects of the senses turn away from the abstinent man, leaving the longing behind; but his longing also turns away upon seeing the Supreme.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
When a person practices steady self-control, the pull of sense objects naturally weakens. The eyes, ears, and other senses stop chasing every pleasure and turn away from what once tempted them.
Even so, a quiet longing can remain. When one directly experiences the Supreme or deepest inner peace, that remaining craving dissolves. Real spiritual sight replaces the taste for temporary pleasures with a lasting inner delight.
The verse shows a two-step inner change: discipline lessens attachment, and true realization removes desire altogether by giving a higher satisfaction.
Life Application
- Begin with small restraints (skip one snack, limit scrolling) and notice how urges weaken over time.
- Build inner experience through short daily practices (meditation, prayer, mindful breathing) so deeper joy grows.
- When tempted, recall your deeper goals or peaceful experiences to help choose lasting well-being over momentary pleasure.
Reflection Question
What gives me deeper, lasting satisfaction that makes small cravings seem less important?