yat tad agre viṣam iva pariṇāme 'mṛtopamam tat sukhaṁ sāttvikaṁ proktam ātma-buddhi-prasāda-jam
yat — that which;
tat — that;
agre — in the beginning;
viṣam iva — like poison;
pariṇāme — at the end;
amṛta — nectar;
upamam — compared to;
tat — that;
sukham — happiness;
sāttvikam — in the mode of goodness;
proktam — is said;
ātma — self;
buddhi — intelligence;
prasāda-jam — satisfactory.
In this verse, Krishna talks about a special kind of happiness called 'sattvic happiness.' This type of happiness is unlike the immediate pleasures we usually seek in life. At first, it might seem hard to reach, like trying something that tastes bad (like poison). This is because to achieve this happiness, a person has to go through a process of learning self-discipline and control over their desires.
When someone decides to improve themselves, whether it’s through meditation, healthy living, or studying, it can be tough and uncomfortable at the start. Just like exercise might feel painful at first, but over time it leads to a stronger, healthier body.
Similarly, the initial bit of pain or struggle involved in striving for self-realization can feel tough, but as you keep working on it, that discomfort gradually fades away. Once you overcome these challenges and begin to make progress, this effort turns into a state of bliss, comparable to the sweet taste of nectar.
This lasting happiness comes from a deep understanding of who you really are, your true nature beyond just physical or material aspects. It’s about connecting with your inner self and finding peace within. Instead of chasing after temporary pleasures that might leave you feeling empty or even regretful later on, this form of happiness is rooted in self-discovery. It leads to feelings of contentment and fulfillment that lasts much longer.
Thus, ‘sattvic happiness’ emphasizes that even if the journey is tough and feels like dealing with something bitter at first, the end result is incredibly rewarding. It's more meaningful than fleeting joys from things like food, entertainment, or material possessions. In essence, it's about finding true joy and inner peace that comes from understanding and realizing one’s own spiritual nature.