Chapter 5, Verse 22
ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दु:खयोनय एव ते | आद्यन्तवन्त: कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुध: ॥22॥
ye hi saṁsparśajā bhogā duḥkha-yonaya eva te |
ādy-antavantaḥ kaunteya na teṣu ramate budhaḥ ||22||
"Since enjoyments that result from contact (with objects) are verily the sources of sorrow and have a beginning and an end, (therefore) O son of Kunti, the wise one does not delight in them."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 5.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 5.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Shree Krishna explains that material pleasures are 'saṁsparśajā'—born of contact between the senses and their objects. Such pleasures are inherently 'ādy-antavantaḥ' (having a beginning and an end) and 'duḥkha-yonaya' (wombs of misery). They follow the law of diminishing returns; as consumption increases, satisfaction decreases, leading eventually to pain or craving. A 'budhaḥ' (wise person) recognizes this transient nature and avoids seeking ultimate fulfillment in fleeting sensory experiences, aiming instead for the eternal bliss of the soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 5.22?
Since enjoyments that result from contact (with objects) are verily the sources of sorrow and have a beginning and an end, (therefore) O son of Kunti, the wise one does not delight in them.