Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 38

English Translation

That joy is referred to as born of rajas which, arising from the contact of the organs and (their) objects, is like nectar in the beginning, but like poison at the end.

Detailed Commentary

।।18.38।। Elucidation: The pleasure derived from the union of sense objects (*vishayas*) and senses (*indriyas*) requires no deliberate practice (*abhyāsa*). The reason for this is that whichever form of existence (*yoni*) a being takes, it invariably experiences joy from the conjunction of senses and their objects. The pleasure of the five sense objects (like *śabda* - sound, *sparśa* - touch, etc.) is experienced by all creatures – animals, birds, and insects. Therefore, all beings naturally practice this kind of happiness. Even in human life, right from childhood, it is natural to feel happy in favorable circumstances and displeased in unfavorable ones. Hence, this *Rājasika* (passionate) pleasure requires no special cultivation. The essence of the phrase "yat tad agre 'mṛtopamam" (that which in the beginning is like nectar) is that the happiness one experiences in the mind at the *prospect* of attaining worldly objects is often greater than the happiness upon their actual acquisition. Even upon acquisition, the initial joy does not last long. When the capacity for enjoyment (*bhoga*) wanes, there is no happiness; rather, there arises aversion (*aruchi*). If objects are still pursued even after the capacity to enjoy them diminishes, it gives rise to sorrow (*duḥkha*) and vexation, and the mind finds no happiness. Therefore, this *Rājasika* pleasure appears like nectar in the beginning. The mind is drawn to sense objects and deems them dear. The delight found in merely hearing about pleasures is not matched by the actual experience of enjoying them. Therefore, it is stated in the Gītā that *Rājasika* individuals hear of the pleasures of *Svarga* (heaven), find them very agreeable, and yearn for them. These heavenly pleasures seem delightful from afar, when heard about, but one does not experience as much joy upon actually going to *Svarga* and indulging in them. In "pariṇāme viṣam iva" (but at the end, like poison), objects initially appear beautiful and evoke a sense of pleasure, but through repeated indulgence, that pleasure becomes insipid (*nīrasa*) and gives rise to aversion. Then, that very pleasure feels like poison. The reason for all beings being bound in this world is their indulgence in sense objects. The outcome of *Rājasika* pleasure is sorrow. Those who are troubled and sorrowful today are experiencing distress solely due to attachment (*rāga*) to material things. One who becomes impoverished after having been wealthy experiences more sorrow than those who are naturally poor. The reason is that the impressions (*saṃskāras*) of pleasure are more deeply ingrained within them. One who has partaken of various kinds of food feels even a slight deficiency. But an ordinary person remains content with little. This means that the more pleasure one has experienced, the greater the feeling of lack, and this itself is the cause of sorrow. One strives for the attainment of happiness, but there remains doubt whether the object will be acquired or not. Upon acquisition, the desire for more arises. The fulfillment of a desire becomes the cause of a new desire, and this cycle continues. As long as desire persists, a sense of lack is felt, and this becomes a source of suffering. *Rājasika* pleasure is like poison in its outcome, but it does not kill. It becomes unappetizing. The initial keen interest does not remain in the end. Why is this pleasure like poison? Because it brings sorrow for many lifetimes. Even if one performs auspicious actions (*śubha karma*) and goes to *Svarga*, one still does not attain true happiness or peace. In *Svarga*, one feels envy upon seeing those of higher status, sorrow upon seeing those of equal status, and pride upon seeing those of lower status. Then one must return to the mortal realm (*Mṛtyuloka*). The cycle of birth and death (*janma-maraṇa*) continues. Therefore, this pleasure is described as being like poison. The meaning of "tat sukhaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam" (that pleasure is known as *Rājasika*) is that the sorrow of *Rājasika* pleasure has been experienced before. But due to attachment, one is again enticed towards it. Those with a *Rājasika* disposition only look towards immediate gratification. Therefore, a spiritual aspirant (*sādhaka*) should become dispassionate (*virakta*) towards the world and not get entangled in *Rājasika* pleasures. Now, the description of *Tāmasika* (ignorant) pleasure will be presented.