6.27 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 6, Verse 27

Bhagavad Gita verse 6.27 describes the sublime state of happiness that comes to a yogi who has achieved mastery of the mind. This verse follows Krishna's teachings on controlling the mind and reveals the beautiful rewards of successful spiritual practice.

The verse states that supreme transcendental happiness comes to the yogi whose mind is peaceful, whose passions are subdued, who is without sin, and who has become one with Brahman. This is not ordinary happiness that depends on external circumstances but rather an inner bliss that arises spontaneously when the mind is truly peaceful. This happiness is described as "uttamam" or supreme, indicating that it surpasses all worldly pleasures and satisfactions.

The state of prasanta-manasam (perfectly tranquil mind) is emphasized as a prerequisite for experiencing this supreme bliss. When the mind is no longer disturbed by the constant waves of desires, fears, and attachments, it settles into its natural state of peace. This tranquility isn't achieved simply by relaxation or momentary calm but through consistent spiritual practice that gradually eliminates mental turbulence at its root.

Krishna also mentions santa-rajasam, which refers to the elimination of rajas (the mode of passion). In Vedic understanding, rajas is the quality that drives desire, ambition, and activity. When this quality is quieted, the mind is no longer propelled by constant wanting and doing. The commentaries explain that rajas manifests as defects like delusion and other mental obstacles that prevent spiritual realization. When these are removed, the mind becomes steady and can rest in its true nature.

The verse further describes the yogi as akalmasam—without sin or taint. This refers to freedom from negative impressions and karmic residues that normally cloud consciousness. Through yogic practice, these impurities are gradually burned away, allowing the pure nature of consciousness to shine forth. This purification is essential for experiencing the supreme bliss Krishna describes, as impurities in consciousness create disturbance and prevent the experience of inner peace.

Perhaps most significant is the description brahma-bhutam—one who has become identified with Brahman or who has realized their spiritual identity. This is not merely an intellectual understanding but a lived experience where the yogi directly perceives their essential nature beyond body and mind. In this state, the yogi recognizes that their true self is qualitatively one with the Supreme Reality. They experience themselves as eternal, conscious, and blissful, free from the limitations and suffering associated with material identification.

The result of achieving this state is described simply but profoundly: "supreme happiness comes" (sukham uttamam upaiti). This happiness arises naturally and spontaneously when the mind is peaceful, passions are subdued, impurities are removed, and one's spiritual identity is realized. It doesn't need to be sought elsewhere or manufactured through effort—it is the natural state of the soul when all obstacles are removed. This verse reveals that true happiness is not something we acquire from outside but something we uncover from within by removing the obstacles that prevent us from experiencing our true nature.