Bhagavad Gita 2.59 — Even the Taste for Sense Objects Fades on Seeing the Supreme
विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः।
रसवर्जं रसोऽप्यस्य परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते॥ २.५९॥
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Sense objects turn away from the embodied person who abstains from them, but the taste for them remains. Even this taste ceases on seeing the Supreme.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| viṣhayāḥ | sense objects |
| vinivartante | turn away, withdraw |
| nirāhārasya | of one who abstains, who restrains the senses |
| dehinaḥ | of the embodied person |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| rasavarjam | leaving aside the taste, except for the taste |
| rasaḥ | taste, craving, relish |
| api | even |
| asya | his |
| param | the Supreme, the higher reality |
| dṛiṣhṭvā | having seen, having realised |
| nivartate | ceases, turns away |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| viṣhayāḥ | sense objects | rasavarjam | leaving aside the taste, except for the taste |
| vinivartante | turn away, withdraw | rasaḥ | taste, craving, relish |
| nirāhārasya | of one who abstains, who restrains the senses | api | even |
| dehinaḥ | of the embodied person | asya | his |
| param | the Supreme, the higher reality | ||
| dṛiṣhṭvā | having seen, having realised | ||
| nivartate | ceases, turns away | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse Lord Krishna gives an important and honest teaching about the limits of mere abstinence. A person who denies the senses their objects may stop experiencing those objects, but the inner taste, the craving, remains. Only when a higher reality is seen does even the taste fall away. The verse explains the difference between suppression and true freedom.
Essence
Abstinence is not the same as freedom
Lord Krishna says viṣayā vinivartante nirāhārasya dehinaḥ. The objects of the senses turn away from one who abstains from them. If a person stops feeding the senses, for example by fasting or by avoiding certain environments, the objects naturally drop away from experience. This is a real and useful discipline.
Rasa-varjam (except for the taste): Krishna then adds an important qualification. The rasa, the taste or inner relish for these objects, remains. A person may have given up a particular pleasure outwardly while still longing for it inwardly. The mind keeps the memory and the craving, and in time it may erupt again.
The cure: seeing the higher
Rasaḥ apy asya param dṛṣṭvā nivartate: The taste also ceases for one who has seen the Supreme. The word param refers to the highest reality, the Self or the Divine. When a person has a taste of a deeper and more lasting fulfilment, the lesser attractions lose their hold naturally. It is not through force that the craving ends, but through the discovery of something far more satisfying.
A simple comparison may help. A child may be very attached to a toy, and a parent forcibly taking it away might only increase the child's longing. But when the child grows and finds greater interests, the toy loses its attraction by itself. In the same way, higher understanding and inner joy replace lower cravings without a struggle.
The balanced approach of the Gita
This verse does not discourage self-restraint. The Gita values discipline and moderation. The point is that discipline needs to be accompanied by inner growth and understanding. Restraint without any deeper source of happiness can leave a person frustrated and prone to relapse. Restraint combined with a developing taste for higher things leads to genuine freedom.
Message for Everyday Life (Replace, Do Not Merely Suppress)
Anyone who has tried to break a habit knows how hard it is to rely on willpower alone.
Fill the space with something meaningful: Healthy interests, service, learning, and connection give the mind something better to turn toward.
Be patient with the process: Cravings fade gradually as we find deeper sources of contentment.
Abstinence is not the same as freedom
Lord Krishna says viṣayā vinivartante nirāhārasya dehinaḥ. The objects of the senses turn away from one who abstains from them. If a person stops feeding the senses, for example by fasting or by avoiding certain environments, the objects naturally drop away from experience. This is a real and useful discipline.
Rasa-varjam (except for the taste): Krishna then adds an important qualification. The rasa, the taste or inner relish for these objects, remains. A person may have given up a particular pleasure outwardly while still longing for it inwardly. The mind keeps the memory and the craving, and in time it may erupt again.
The cure: seeing the higher
Rasaḥ apy asya param dṛṣṭvā nivartate: The taste also ceases for one who has seen the Supreme. The word param refers to the highest reality, the Self or the Divine. When a person has a taste of a deeper and more lasting fulfilment, the lesser attractions lose their hold naturally. It is not through force that the craving ends, but through the discovery of something far more satisfying.
A simple comparison may help. A child may be very attached to a toy, and a parent forcibly taking it away might only increase the child's longing. But when the child grows and finds greater interests, the toy loses its attraction by itself. In the same way, higher understanding and inner joy replace lower cravings without a struggle.
The balanced approach of the Gita
This verse does not discourage self-restraint. The Gita values discipline and moderation. The point is that discipline needs to be accompanied by inner growth and understanding. Restraint without any deeper source of happiness can leave a person frustrated and prone to relapse. Restraint combined with a developing taste for higher things leads to genuine freedom.
Message for Everyday Life (Replace, Do Not Merely Suppress)
Anyone who has tried to break a habit knows how hard it is to rely on willpower alone.
Fill the space with something meaningful: Healthy interests, service, learning, and connection give the mind something better to turn toward.
Be patient with the process: Cravings fade gradually as we find deeper sources of contentment.
Next Topic
Krishna has explained that outer abstinence leaves the taste behind until a higher reality is seen. He now warns about the force of the senses even for the one who is striving. In the next verse He says that the turbulent senses can forcibly carry away the mind of even a wise person who is making effort.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Starving a desire doesn't kill it; satisfying a higher hunger does.
Habits fade when something better is tasted.
Restraint opens the door, but joy walks through it.
The highest joy makes the lower appetites lose their pull.
True freedom is not wanting, not just not having.
What fills the heart frees the hands.
See the Supreme and small cravings shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'nirāhāra' (abstaining) mean?
What is 'rasa' (taste, craving) in this verse?
What does 'param dṛiṣhṭvā' (having seen the Supreme) mean?
Does the verse reject self-restraint?
How does this verse help a seeker?
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