yas tvātma-ratir eva syād ātma-tṛiptaśh cha mānavaḥ
ātmanyeva cha santuṣhṭas tasya kāryaṁ na vidyate
yaḥ — who;
tu — but;
ātma-ratiḥ — rejoice in the self;
eva — certainly;
syāt — is;
ātma-tṛiptaḥ — self-satisfied;
cha — and;
mānavaḥ — human being;
ātmani — in the self;
eva — certainly;
cha — and;
santuṣhṭaḥ — satisfied;
tasya — his;
kāryam — duty;
na — not;
vidyate — exist
This verse tells us about a person who has found complete happiness and contentment within themselves. This person is so deeply aware of their inner self, or a higher spiritual consciousness (which, in this context, is connected to Krsna), that they no longer feel the normal pressures of life to fulfill duties or follow strict rules.
Here’s a breakdown of what this means:
1. **Self-Satisfaction**: Imagine someone who has everything they need inside them – they understand themselves and feel fulfilled. They don’t rely on outside things like entertainment, wealth, or social status to make them happy. Instead, they find joy in their own being. This state of contentment means they are no longer focused on the temporary pleasures of life that often distract us, like partying or material possessions.
2. **Purity of Consciousness**: The verse suggests that this kind of self-realization or awareness can cleanse a person in a way that is comparable to performing many traditional sacrifices or rituals meant to purify oneself. Just like how taking a shower cleans your body, this higher awareness can clear away negative thoughts and impurities from a person’s mind.
3. **Understanding Responsibilities**: When someone reaches this level of self-awareness, their responsibilities or duties in life become clear to them. They act not out of obligation or fear but from a place of understanding and love. Because of their deep connection to their spiritual self, they can see what is truly important and act accordingly.
4. **Freedom from Rules**: The person described here is not bound by traditional rules or expectations set by society or scriptures, often called the Vedas in this context. They operate from a deeper understanding of life rather than fear of doing the wrong thing. This does not mean they abandon all duties but that they fulfill them from a state of inner peace and understanding.
5. **Avoiding Material Distractions**: In our everyday lives, it’s easy to get caught up in material pleasures, like drinking alcohol, enjoying fleeting relationships, or chasing after material gains. The person described in this verse has moved beyond these distractions. They find deeper happiness within themselves, leading to a more meaningful existence.
So, in simple terms, this verse is telling us that once we truly know and love ourselves and connect with a higher consciousness, our lives change. We no longer feel burdened by duties in the same way others might. Instead, we act out of love and understanding, finding true happiness and fulfillment from within.