Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 24

English Translation

One who is happy within, whose pleasure is within, and who has his light only within, that yogi, having become Brahman, attains absorption in Brahman.

Detailed Commentary

।।5.24।। Explanation — 'Yo antaḥ-sukhaḥ antarārāmas-tathā antarjyotir eva yaḥ' — One who does not seek joy in external things but finds happiness in the Supreme Self (Paramatma) is called 'antaḥ-sukhaḥ'. He desires no happiness other than that of Paramatma. His happiness does not depend on external objects. He does not need external things to remain steadfast in his state. To have no sorrow or aversion towards oneself from oneself — this is 'antaḥ-sukha'. That which is always accessible to all, that indeed is the inner (ābhyantara) reality. One who remains aloof from worldly enjoyments and delights in Paramatma is called 'antarārāmaḥ'. The permanent foundation of true knowledge is the knowledge of Paramatma. One whose knowledge (of Paramatma) is always awakened is called 'antarjyotiḥ'. Worldly knowledge begins and ends, but the knowledge of Paramatma endures forever. Therefore, the knowledge that 'the one Paramatma alone is complete in all' is natural for a Sāṅkhya-yogī. 'Sa yogī brahma-nirvāṇaṁ brahma-bhūto 'dhigacchati' — An advanced Sādhaka experiences his state in Brahman. As long as there remains any limitation or individuality in a person, they have not become Tattva-niṣṭha (steadfast in truth). Therefore, one should not be content with this state. 'Brahmanirvāṇam' means the tranquil Brahman where there is no agitation. When the individuality of the Brahmabhūta Sādhaka merges into Brahman, then only Nirvāṇa Brahman remains, meaning the Sādhaka becomes completely one with Paramatma. In the Brahmabhūta state, the Sādhaka experiences his position in Brahman, but when individuality is annihilated, there remains no experiencer. The Sādhaka, having become Brahman, attains Brahman — 'Brahmaiva san Brahma apyeti'. Connection — In the previous verse, the Lord described the practice of Sāṅkhya-yoga with Nivṛtti (renunciation). Now, in the upcoming verse, the practice of Sāṅkhya-yoga with Pravṛtti (action) will be described.