Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 5 verse 21
Chapter 5 · Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Joy Within · Not Dependent on Circumstances

बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा विन्दत्यात्मनि यत्सुखम् । स ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा सुखमक्षयमश्नुते ।।21।।

bāhya-sparśeṣv asaktātmā vindaty ātmani yat sukham sa brahma-yoga-yuktātmā sukham akṣayam aśnute

Meaning

"One whose mind is unattached to external contacts finds happiness within the self; united with the Divine through yoga, such a person enjoys unending bliss."

Explanation

Krishna points to an inner, self-sustaining joy that doesn't depend on ever-changing external circumstances.

Today's Life Lesson

Look inward today for a small, quiet joy that doesn't depend on anything outside going a certain way.

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