Bhagavad Gita 5.22 — Ye Hi Sansparsha-ja Bhoga — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ५.२२ — ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ये
ye
which
हि
hi
verily, indeed
संस्पर्शजाः
sansparśha-jāḥ
born of contact with the sense objects
भोगाः
bhogāḥ
pleasures, enjoyments
दुःखयोनयः
duḥkha-yonayaḥ
sources of misery
एव
eva
verily, only
ते
te
they are
आद्यन्तवन्तः
ādya-antavantaḥ
having a beginning and an end
कौन्तेय
kaunteya
O son of Kunti (Arjuna)
न
na
never, not
तेषु
teṣhu
in those
रमते
ramate
takes delight, revels
बुधः
budhaḥ
the wise person
Complete Translation
The pleasures that arise from contact with the senses are indeed sources of misery; they have a beginning and an end, O son of Kunti. The wise do not delight in them.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 22
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the fifth chapter, the Yoga of Renunciation of Action, Krishna describes the one established in Brahman, who finds joy within and is unmoved by external pleasures. This verse explains why: pleasures born of sense contact are impermanent wombs of misery, so the wise do not seek their delight in them but in the eternal Self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 5.22?▼
Krishna teaches that pleasures arising from sense contact are actually sources of misery because they are temporary, with a beginning and an end. The wise therefore do not become absorbed in them, but seek the lasting joy of the Self.
Why are sense pleasures called 'sources of misery'?▼
Because every sensory pleasure is fleeting — it arises, fades, and leaves craving and dissatisfaction behind. The pursuit of such pleasures keeps the mind restless and bound, ultimately producing more sorrow than happiness.
Does this verse ask us to reject all enjoyment?▼
It does not demand harsh suppression, but invites discernment. The wise enjoy life without becoming dependent on or enslaved by sense pleasures, knowing that true and lasting happiness comes from within, not from transient external objects.
What is the lasting joy the wise seek instead?▼
The Gita points to the bliss of the Self — the inner peace and contentment of one established in yoga. Unlike sense pleasures, this joy is steady, self-existent, and free from beginning or end.
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