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
Happiness arising from the self is sāttvika; happiness born of sense enjoyment is rājasika; and happiness born of delusion and degradation is tāmasika. But the happiness that takes shelter in Me is nirguṇa—transcendental.
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.