Bhagavad Gita 18.38 · Krishna
Sweet first, bitter later
विषयेन्द्रियसंयोगाद्यत्तदग्रेऽमृतोपमम्।
परिणामे विषमिव तत्सुखं राजसं स्मृतम्॥
viṣayendriyasaṃyogādyattadagre’amṛtopamampariṇāme viṣamiva tatsukhaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam
Happiness from the senses meeting their objects, like nectar at first but like poison in the end, is called restless.
Words
- rajas
What it means
Krishna describes rajasic happiness. It comes from the senses meeting their objects. At first it tastes like nectar, thrilling, delicious. In the end, it turns to poison, regret, emptiness, wanting more. Pleasure isn't wrong. But pleasure that leaves you worse off is a bad trade.
The story
The dice game felt thrilling at first to Yudhishthira. In the end, it cost him everything. Krishna knows how sweet beginnings can turn bitter.
In your life
Imagine a midnight binge of a series that felt wonderful, then a wrecked next day. Before your next indulgence, ask, how will I feel about this tomorrow?
Sweet at first, bitter in the end.