Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Guṇa-vibhāga: The Three Modes and the Path Beyond Them
सात्त्विकं सुखमात्मोत्थं विषयोत्थं तु राजसम् । तामसं मोहदैन्योत्थं निर्गुणं मदपाश्रयम् ॥ २९ ॥
sāttvikaṁ sukham ātmotthaṁ viṣayotthaṁ tu rājasam tāmasaṁ moha-dainyotthaṁ nirguṇaṁ mad-apāśrayam
আত্মা-উদ্ভূত সুখ সাত্ত্বিক, বিষয়ভোগ-উদ্ভূত সুখ রাজস, আর মোহ ও অধঃপতন-উদ্ভূত সুখ তামস; কিন্তু আমার আশ্রয়ে যে সুখ, তা নির্গুণ ও অতীন্দ্রিয়।
FAQs
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa explains that sāttvika happiness is inner and self-born, rājasika happiness comes from sense objects, and tāmasika happiness comes from delusion and leads to misery.
While instructing Uddhava (Uddhava-gītā), Kṛṣṇa distinguishes material happiness within the guṇas from the nirguṇa happiness attained through surrender to Him, guiding Uddhava toward pure devotion and liberation.
Reduce dependence on sense-based pleasure, cultivate inner steadiness through sāttvika habits, and anchor life in bhakti—regular remembrance, prayer, and service—because lasting happiness is described here as coming from taking shelter of Kṛṣṇa.