Bhagavad Gita 5.22

 

Bhagavad Gita 5.22: Understanding the Nature of Sensory Pleasures

Sanskrit Verse 5.22

ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दुःखयोनय एव ते |
आद्यन्तवन्तः कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुधः ||

Transliteration:

Ye hi saṁsparśa-jā bhogā duḥkha-yonaya eva te |
Ādyanta-vantaḥ kaunteya na teṣu ramate budhaḥ ||

Translation:

"That which is born of contact with the senses is, indeed, a source of suffering. Such pleasures have a beginning and an end, O Kaunteya (Arjuna), and the wise do not delight in them."

"जो कुछ इन्द्रियों के सम्पर्क से उत्पन्न होता है, वह वास्तव में दुःख का स्रोत है। हे कौन्तेय (अर्जुन), ऐसे सुखों का आदि और अंत होता है, और बुद्धिमान लोग उनमें प्रसन्न नहीं होते।"

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Explanation:

In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the transient and ultimately unsatisfactory nature of sensory pleasures. He highlights three important truths about material enjoyments:

1. Born of Sense Contact – All worldly pleasures arise from the interaction of the senses (sight, touch, taste, sound, and smell) with their respective objects. These pleasures are temporary and dependent on external factors.

2. Source of Suffering – Even though sensory pleasures bring temporary happiness, they inevitably lead to suffering. This suffering may come from their loss, overindulgence, or attachment.

3. Having a Beginning and an End – All material pleasures are finite; they start and eventually fade away. Since they are impermanent, they cannot provide lasting fulfillment.

A wise person (Budhaḥ) understands this impermanence and does not become attached to fleeting pleasures. Instead, they seek higher, eternal joy, which comes from inner realization and spiritual wisdom.

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Practical Application in Life:

• Detachment from Temporary Pleasures: Instead of chasing short-lived pleasures, we should focus on cultivating inner peace and contentment.

• Mindful Enjoyment: While sensory pleasures are a part of life, one should enjoy them with awareness, without becoming enslaved by desires.

• Seeking True Happiness: Lasting happiness is found in self-realization, devotion, and inner spiritual growth rather than external material gains.

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Conclusion:

Bhagavad Gita 5.22 teaches a profound lesson on the nature of worldly pleasures. By understanding their transient and ultimately unsatisfying nature, a wise person directs their focus towards lasting spiritual joy. This verse encourages us to rise above temporary pleasures and seek true happiness within.