Sukham tu idaaneem tri-vidham shrinu me bharatarshabha | Abhyaasaat ramate yatra duhkhaantam cha nigacchati ||36||
अनुवाद
O best of the Bharatas, now hear from Me about the three kinds of happiness, in which the soul rejoices through practice and reaches the end of all suffering.
शब्दार्थ
सुखम्
happiness
तु
but
इदानीम्
now
त्रि-विधम्
three kinds
श्रुणु
hear
मे
from Me
भरत-ऋषभ
O best of the Bharatas
अभ्यासात्
by practice
रमते
enjoys
यत्र
where
दुःख-अन्तम्
end of suffering
च
and
निगच्छति
reaches/attains
टीका
Commentary
Krishna now comes to the final category in His systematic analysis of human experience through the three gunas: sukham — happiness itself. This is, in many ways, the most practical category, because happiness is what every being seeks.
The verse serves as both an introduction and a partial definition. It establishes that genuine happiness — the kind that ends suffering (duhkhaantam cha nigacchati) — comes through abhyaasa (practice, sustained effort). This immediately distinguishes real happiness from the fleeting pleasures that come and go without effort.
The conditioned soul is always trying to enjoy material happiness again and again. The repetition of this habit is called abhyaasa — practice. But here Krishna elevates the concept: through disciplined practice, one can reach a happiness that permanently ends sorrow. This is the happiness of self-realization.
By addressing Arjuna as Bharatarshabha — “best of the Bharatas” — Krishna reminds him that he has the capacity to attain the highest happiness. The three types that follow (verses 37-39) will clarify the difference between happiness that liberates and happiness that binds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 18.36 mean?
- O best of the Bharatas, now hear from Me about the three kinds of happiness, in which the soul rejoices through practice and reaches the end of all suffering.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 18.36?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: Sukham tu idaaneem tri-vidham shrinu me bharatarshabha | Abhyaasaat ramate yatra duhkhaantam cha nigacchati ||36||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: happiness, three modes, practice, liberation, introduction.