Bhagavad Gita 5.24 — The Yogi Who Finds Happiness Within Attains Brahma-Nirvāṇa
योऽन्तःसुखोऽन्तरारामस्तथान्तर्ज्योतिरेव यः ।
स योगी ब्रह्मनिर्वाणं ब्रह्मभूतोऽधिगच्छति ॥ ५.२४ ॥
The seeker who finds happiness within, delights within, and draws light from inner spiritual awareness attains Brahman-consciousness. Such a yogi realizes Brahma-Nirvāṇa, the state of supreme peace and liberation.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaḥ | who |
| antaḥsukhaḥ | finds happiness within |
| antarārāmaḥ | rejoices within |
| tathā | and also |
| antarjyotiḥ | whose light is within |
| eva | indeed |
| yaḥ | who |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| saḥ | that |
| yogī | yogi |
| brahmanirvāṇam | the supreme peace of Brahman |
| brahmabhūtaḥ | having realized Brahman |
| adhigacchati | attains |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaḥ | who | saḥ | that |
| antaḥsukhaḥ | finds happiness within | yogī | yogi |
| antarārāmaḥ | rejoices within | brahmanirvāṇam | the supreme peace of Brahman |
| tathā | and also | brahmabhūtaḥ | having realized Brahman |
| antarjyotiḥ | whose light is within | adhigacchati | attains |
| eva | indeed | ||
| yaḥ | who | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the inner state of the Yogi who has discovered the source of happiness, peace, and illumination within. Such a person no longer depends on the external world for fulfilment.
Essence
The three dimensions of inner fulfilment
Here, Lord Krishna beautifully describes the inner life of a realized Yogi through three profound expressions.
Antaḥ-sukhaḥ: Most people depend on external circumstances for happiness. Praise brings joy, criticism brings sorrow. The realized Yogi, however, experiences a happiness that arises naturally from within and is independent of people or situations.
Antar-ārāmaḥ: Such a person finds rest and contentment within. Inner peace no longer depends on favourable conditions because the heart itself has become a place of refuge.
Antar-jyotiḥ: While most people rely primarily on external guidance, the realized Yogi is guided by the inner light of wisdom. This awakened understanding becomes a constant source of clarity and direction.
Brahma-bhūtaḥ: Having transcended identification with the limited ego, the seeker becomes established in the awareness of Brahman. Life is no longer lived from the narrow perspective of 'me' and 'mine.'
Brahma-nirvāṇam adhigacchati: Established in this state, the Yogi attains supreme peace and realizes oneness with Brahman. This is not merely an emotional experience but a complete transformation of consciousness.
Message for our lives
This verse reminds us that the deepest source of happiness has always been within us.
Freedom from dependence: As long as our happiness depends entirely on the behaviour of others or external circumstances, it remains fragile and uncertain.
Discovering inner abundance: Through meditation, self-inquiry, and sincere spiritual practice, we gradually uncover the peace, joy, and wisdom already present within. This inner wealth becomes the foundation of lasting fulfilment.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the Yogi who finds joy, peace, and light within. In the next verse, He explains the additional qualities of those who attain Brahma-nirvāṇa and live for the welfare of all beings.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The richest source of joy lies within.
One who enjoys inner fulfillment depends less on external conditions.
Inner light guides better than borrowed opinions.
The person who finds happiness within becomes difficult to enslave.
The journey inward reveals treasures unavailable elsewhere.
Lasting fulfillment comes from being, not merely having.
Inner completeness is the foundation of enduring peace.