Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 21

English Translation

When one experienece that absolute Blisss which can be intuited by the intellect and which is beyond the senses, and being established (thus) this person surely does not swerve from Reality;

Detailed Commentary

।।6.21।। Explanation: 'Sukhamaatyantikaṃ yat' – The joy that a Dhyanayogi experiences within himself is superior to any joy in the world. The reason for this is that this joy is beyond the three Gunas and is self-evident (svataḥ siddha). This is indeed called Akshaya sukha (imperishable joy), Atyanta sukha (supreme joy), and Ekaantika sukha (singular joy). To call this joy 'Aatyantika' implies that it is distinct from Saattvika sukha. Saattvika sukha arises from the clarity of the intellect (buddhi), but Aatyantika sukha is self-evident. 'Ateendriyam' – describing it as beyond the senses (indriyas) shows that it is different from Rajas sukha. Rajas sukha is derived from worldly objects and is experienced through the senses. Aatyantika sukha is experienced spontaneously, separate from the senses. 'Buddhigraahyam' – this is also distinct from Tamas sukha. Tamas sukha arises from lethargy and heedlessness (pramāda), whereas in Aatyantika sukha, the intellect remains awakened. 'Vetti yatra na chaivaayaṃ sthitaśchalati tattvataḥ' – The Dhyanayogi experiences the joy within himself and remains steady in it. He is not disturbed by that joy. Just as Sambhaji did not deviate from his Dharma when he was imprisoned. Similarly, no one can snatch away the experienced joy, because it is the realization of the ultimate Truth (Tattva). This proves that a human being never deviates from true joy, knowledge (Jnana), and bliss (Ananda). Even Saattvika sukha has instability, but not Aatyantika sukha. There, only Truth (Satya) remains, hence there is no deviation. This occurs when there is no longer any connection with inertia (jaḍatā) and Prakriti (material nature) becomes tranquil. Connection: The reason why a Dhyanayogi remains unwavering in the Truth (Tattva) is explained in the next Shloka.