Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 18.36

“Now hear from Me, O Bharata, of the threefold happiness; that in which one delights through practice and surely ends sorrow.”
Key Teaching: Happiness is threefold; Krishna will explain its types.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna introduces the threefold nature of happiness, attained through practice and ending sorrow, asking Arjuna to hear about it. This verse, continuing 18.35, addresses Arjuna’s quest for understanding (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna introduces happiness, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s duty, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he analyzes happiness, and Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s quest for clarity (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s sorrow (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (14.5) and Karma Yoga (2.47), preparing to analyze happiness. Krishna builds on gunas teachings (14.5, 17.3), setting the stage for happiness’s types.

Philosophically, this verse introduces happiness’s nature, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on gunas (14.5). Arjuna’s understanding is deepened by exploring happiness. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Jnana Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on wise liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their introductory clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s happiness, where practice ends sorrow. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine understanding, aligning with liberation.