यत्तदग्रे विषमिव परिणामेऽमृतोपमम् ।
तत्सुखं सात्त्विकं प्रोक्तमात्मबुद्धिप्रसादजम् ॥ ३७ ॥
yat tad agre viṣham iva pariṇāme ‘mṛitopamam
tat sukhaṁ sāttvikaṁ proktam ātma-buddhi-prasāda-jam
श्लोक ३७: वह सुख जो प्रारंभ में तो कड़वा लगता है, किंतु अंत में मधुर फल देता है, और जो आत्म साक्षात्कार के आनंद से जनित होता है, वह सुख सात्विक होता है।
Shloka 37: O Partha! The intellect that fails to properly discern between right and wrong, what should be done and what should not be done, action and inaction is called Rajasik-Buddhi.
In Bhagavad Gita 18.37, Krishna introduces a profound insight into the nature of true happiness, challenging the common pursuit of instant gratification. He describes a kind of happiness that is initially as bitter as poison but ultimately transforms into sweet nectar. This verse draws a vivid distinction between superficial pleasures and the deeper, more enduring joy that emerges from inner development and discipline.
This sattvic (mode of goodness) happiness is not readily accessible or immediately enjoyable. At the outset, it may feel uncomfortable, even painful, because it requires us to adopt habits and practices that discipline both body and mind. Waking up early, managing desires, studying meaningful texts, meditation, and living by ethical principles can often feel burdensome, restrictive, and challenging when first undertaken.
Despite these initial hardships, Krishna assures that perseverance—abhyāsa, repeated practice—brings about a remarkable transformation. As the mind and intellect become purified through sustained self-awareness, the very practices that once felt like obstacles begin to yield a subtle joy. This joy is not loud or showy; it's a quiet contentment that seeps in as mental clarity and self-alignment deepen over time.
To help us grasp this, consider the example of medicine: the taste may be harsh, but the healing it provides brings lasting relief. Similarly, when we persist through the initial discomfort of sattvic pursuits, we discover a happiness that is fundamentally stable, unaffected by fleeting external circumstances. It marks the end of suffering (duḥkhāntaṁ), offering a freedom and peace that are independent of life's inevitable ups and downs.
Unlike the rush and crash of sensory pleasures, sattvic happiness does not depend on acquiring new possessions, seeking approval, or indulging in sensory overstimulation. Instead, it arises from the “prasāda” or satisfaction of a mind and intellect that have been cleansed of agitation and restlessness through inner work. Over time, one's very orientation toward life is transformed, as joy comes from within and is driven by wisdom and self-realization.
Krishna’s classification compels us to reflect deeply on our own habits and aspirations. Are we drawn to that which is easy but ultimately draining, or are we willing to invest in the harder path that brings deep, lasting fulfillment? The verse assures us that the most valuable kind of happiness is not an escape from effort or discomfort but is born from them, provided they are guided by self-knowledge and sincerity.
Ultimately, this verse serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder: lasting joy is cultivated, not chased. It is the result of conscious effort and a willingness to endure short-term pain for the promise of peace and contentment that endures. The transformation from poison to nectar is not just poetic, but psychological—a real alchemy possible in any life committed to self-mastery and growth.
Krishna’s wisdom remains both practical and universal. By recognizing that not all happiness is created equal, and that some must be grown from challenging beginnings, we are invited to reexamine our choices. The journey toward sattvic happiness is demanding, but its fruits are unmatched in their sweetness, stability, and power to uplift the soul.
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