Bhagavad Gita 6.22 — Having Attained Which, No Greater Gain Remains and Even Great Sorrow Cannot Disturb
यं लब्ध्वा चापरं लाभं मन्यते नाधिकं ततः।
यस्मिन्स्थितो न दुःखेन गुरुणापि विचाल्यते॥ ६.२२॥
Having attained that supreme spiritual realization, the seeker considers no other gain to be greater. Established in that state, even the greatest sorrow cannot shake or disturb the inner equilibrium of the yogi.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yam | which |
| labdhvā | having attained |
| ca | and |
| aparam | any other |
| lābham | gain |
| manyate | considers |
| na | not |
| adhikam | greater |
| tataḥ | than that |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yasmin | in which state |
| sthitaḥ | being established |
| na | not |
| duḥkhena | by sorrow |
| guruṇā | even the greatest |
| api | even |
| vicālyate | is shaken |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yam | which | yasmin | in which state |
| labdhvā | having attained | sthitaḥ | being established |
| ca | and | na | not |
| aparam | any other | duḥkhena | by sorrow |
| lābham | gain | guruṇā | even the greatest |
| manyate | considers | api | even |
| na | not | vicālyate | is shaken |
| adhikam | greater | ||
| tataḥ | than that | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna glorifies the supreme attainment of yoga, explaining that one who realizes it no longer considers any other gain to be greater.
Essence
Lord Krishna's Profound Spiritual Insight
Here, Lord Krishna describes the incomparable greatness of spiritual realization. Once a seeker experiences the peace and fulfillment of the Self, their entire outlook on life is transformed.
Yaṁ labdhvā cāparaṁ lābham (having attained which, no greater gain remains): Human beings constantly pursue various forms of gain—wealth, status, relationships, power, and success. Lord Krishna teaches that the realization of the Self surpasses all of these because it provides complete and lasting fulfillment.
Manyate nādhikaṁ tataḥ (nothing is considered superior to it): After attaining this realization, a person no longer feels that any worldly achievement could offer something greater. This does not mean abandoning worldly responsibilities, but rather becoming inwardly complete and no longer dependent on external accomplishments for happiness.
Yasmin sthito na duḥkhena guruṇāpi vicālyate (established in which, even the greatest sorrow cannot shake one): The clearest sign of this realization is unshakable inner stability. Even severe hardships may bring pain, but they cannot disturb the seeker's deepest peace or spiritual foundation.
Lord Krishna teaches that this is true spiritual strength—a state of consciousness that remains steady regardless of changing circumstances.
Message for Everyday Life (An Unshakable Foundation)
External achievements have their limits: A person may acquire everything the world offers, yet without inner peace, lasting satisfaction remains impossible.
Practical approach: Welcome success and material progress, but never make your inner peace dependent upon them. Build your life upon a foundation of spiritual stability that remains firm through both success and adversity.
Next Topic
Having described the greatness of this supreme realization, Lord Krishna now gives a concise definition of yoga itself and encourages the seeker to pursue it with unwavering determination.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The highest gain leaves nothing else worth chasing.
Inner strength is tested when life becomes difficult.
Deep contentment remains steady through changing circumstances.
The soul that knows its true wealth cannot be impoverished.
What is eternal outweighs every temporary achievement.
The strongest foundation is built within.
True success is remaining centered when life is unsettled.