Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 5.21

Shloka 5.21

“Unattached to external pleasures, finding joy in the self, the yogi attains unchangeable bliss in Brahman.”
Key Teaching: Detachment from external pleasures leads to eternal bliss in Brahman.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that a yogi, unattached to external pleasures and finding joy in the self, attains unchangeable bliss in Brahman. This verse, continuing 5.20, addresses Arjuna’s attachment (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies inner joy, and Karma Sannyasa Yoga, as he emphasizes detachment, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s attachment to kin (1.28–46) seeks external joy. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s pleasure-driven actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to find inner joy for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 4.20).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human chase for external pleasure, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on inner joy (2.55–72). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to seek self-joy. The theme of Karma Sannyasa Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on blissful action.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its blissful clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s pleasures, where inner joy ensures bliss. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with detachment, aligning with Brahman.