Chapter 5 Verse 22
Karm Sanyās Yog
ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दुःखयोनय एव ते। आद्यन्तवन्तः कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुधः।।5.22।।
ye hi sansparśha-jā bhogā duḥkha-yonaya eva te ādyantavantaḥ kaunteya na teṣhu ramate budhaḥ
Word Meanings
| ye | which |
| hi | verily |
| sansparśha-jāḥ | born of contact with the sense objects |
| bhogāḥ | pleasures |
| duḥkha | misery |
| yonayaḥ | source of |
| eva | verily |
| te | they are |
| ādya-antavantaḥ | having beginning and end |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| na | never |
| teṣhu | in those |
| ramate | takes delight |
| budhaḥ | the wise |
Translation
The enjoyments that arise from contact are only sources of pain, for they have a beginning and an end, O Arjuna; the wise do not rejoice in them.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches that pleasures born from contact with the senses — sights, sounds, tastes, touch, and smells — are temporary. Because they have a beginning and an end, they often bring pain when they change or disappear.
A wise person sees this truth and does not take lasting delight in these fleeting enjoyments. Wisdom is shown by preferring steady inner peace over short-lived thrills.
This does not mean avoiding life’s pleasures. It means enjoying without clinging, so loss or change does not disturb your peace.
Life Application
- Notice cravings and pause: ask yourself if this pleasure will last and what will happen when it ends.
- Limit indulgence: set small rules (e.g., screen time, treats) so enjoyment does not become dependency.
- Cultivate inner joy: spend time in simple practices (breath awareness, gratitude, helping others) that build steady contentment.
Reflection Question
Which pleasure in my life causes the most upset when it is taken away?