Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 36

English Translation

Now hear from Me, O scion of the Bharata dynasty, as regards the three kinds of joy: That in which one delights owing to habit, and certainly attains the cessation of sorrows; [S. and S.S. take the second line of this verse along with the next verse referring to sattvika happiness.-Tr.]

Detailed Commentary

O best among the Bharatas, Arjuna! The Lord states that you cannot be enticed by Rajasic and Tamasic pleasures, because it is not difficult for you to conquer them. You have even rejected beauties like Urvashi, the Apsara of Svarga, and have conquered the Tamasic pleasure of sleep. Therefore, your name is Gudakesha. The Lord states that Sukha (pleasure/happiness) is also of three types. The important point is that the main reason for spiritual aspirants not achieving a higher state is the desire for Sukha. Even Sattvic Sukha can become binding due to attachment. The enjoyment of Sukha derived from spiritual practices becomes binding. Even the Sukha of Samadhi can obstruct the attainment of Parmatmatattva. However, the Sukha of Parmatmatattva is experienced spontaneously. By not indulging in Sukha derived from practices, that imperishable Sukha is attained spontaneously. Therefore, the Lord here asks us to understand the essence of Sukha. The Lord tells Arjuna to listen to the distinctions of Sukha. People consider Rajasic and Tamasic Sukha to be true happiness, but Sattvic Sukha is superior to this. You should embrace Sattvic Sukha and renounce Rajasic and Tamasic pleasures, because Sattvic Sukha leads towards Paramatma, whereas Rajasic and Tamasic Sukha trap one in the world and cause degradation. Sattvic Sukha is enjoyed through Abhyasa (practice). Rajasic and Tamasic Sukha do not require practice; all beings have a natural inclination towards them. Sukha arising from sensory objects, ego, praise, and sleep is liked by everyone. Sattvic Sukha requires Abhyasa. Due to the memory of previously experienced pleasure, the mind naturally inclines towards Rajasic and Tamasic Sukha. But Sattvic Sukha is unknown, so its experience feels like poison. In its outcome, Sattvic Sukha is like Amrita (Nectar) because it gives rise to higher knowledge and joy. Sattvic Sukha, being like Amrita in its outcome, means that it ultimately leads to the attainment of Paramatma and severs ties with Samsara. "Tat Sukham Sattvikam Proktam" (That Sukha is declared Sattvic) — The Sukha obtained from actions like Satsang, Swadhyaya, Sankirtana, Japa, and Dhyana is called Sattvic, because it is related to Paramatma. Now, the description of Rajasic Sukha begins.