Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 18 verse 37
Chapter 18 · Moksha Sanyasa Yoga

Poison First, Nectar Later · Sticking With What's Good

यत्तदग्रे विषमिव परिणामेऽमृतोपमम् । तत्सुखं सात्त्विकं प्रोक्तमात्मबुद्धिप्रसादजम् ॥

yat tad agre viṣam iva pariṇāme 'mṛtopamam tat sukhaṁ sāttvikaṁ proktam ātma-buddhi-prasāda-jam

Meaning

"That happiness which is like poison at first but like nectar in the end, born of the clarity of one's own understanding, is called sattvic."

Explanation

The best kinds of growth often feel uncomfortable at first — exercise, honest conversations, new habits. This verse offers real encouragement to stick with things that are hard now but good later.

Today's Life Lesson

If something feels hard but genuinely good for you today, trust that the discomfort now may turn sweet later.

More verses to reflect on