18.38 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 18, Verse 38

In Bhagavad Gita verse 18.38, Lord Krishna describes the nature of rajasic happiness (happiness in the mode of passion) as part of his broader explanation of the three types of happiness experienced by beings in this world.The verse states: "viṣayendriya-saḿyogād yat tad agre 'mṛtopamam pariṇāme viṣam iva tat sukhaḿ rājasaḿ smṛtam" which translates to "That happiness which is derived from contact of the senses with their objects and which appears like nectar at first but poison at the end is said to be of the nature of passion."This verse comes after Krishna has detailed various aspects of knowledge, action, and other elements according to the three modes of material nature. Now focusing on happiness (sukha), Krishna explains that not all forms of happiness are equal or beneficial for our spiritual growth. Rajasic happiness specifically relates to sensory pleasures that initially feel wonderful but ultimately lead to suffering.The key characteristic of rajasic happiness is that it stems from "viṣayendriya-saṁyoga" - the contact between our senses and their objects of pleasure. This could be anything from sexual pleasure, as explicitly mentioned in the commentaries, to more mundane sensory gratifications like binge-watching, overeating, or pursuing fame and recognition. The initial experience feels like nectar (amṛtopamam) - sweet, intoxicating, and seemingly fulfilling.However, the defining quality of this type of happiness is its transformation over time. What begins as nectar eventually turns to poison (pariṇāme viṣam iva). A powerful example offered in the commentaries is that of romantic attraction: "A young man and a young woman meet, and the senses drive the young man to see her, to touch her and to have sexual intercourse. In the beginning this may be very pleasing to the senses, but at the end, or after some time, it becomes just like poison." This pattern applies to all sensory pleasures - they provide a temporary high followed by disappointment, emptiness, and often suffering.The core issue with rajasic happiness isn't necessarily the activities themselves, but our expectation that temporary sense pleasures can provide lasting satisfaction. Since this happiness depends entirely on external stimuli, it's inherently unstable. When the source of pleasure inevitably changes or disappears, we're left feeling empty and craving more, creating a cycle of temporary highs followed by lows that drive us to seek the next pleasurable experience.This verse serves as a profound warning about the nature of sensory indulgence. The ancient wisdom here perfectly describes what modern psychology recognizes as hedonic adaptation - our tendency to quickly return to a baseline level of happiness despite major positive or negative life changes. The fleeting nature of sense pleasure means we must constantly seek new sources of stimulation, becoming trapped in an endless cycle of craving and disappointment.Krishna's analysis invites us to examine our own pursuits of happiness. Are we chasing momentary pleasures that feel good now but leave us empty later? Or are we cultivating the more sustainable happiness that comes from higher modes? By understanding this verse, we gain insight into why so many people remain unsatisfied despite access to countless pleasures. The happiness of passion may be sweet at first, but its transformative nature into suffering makes it ultimately unsatisfying for anyone seeking lasting fulfillment.