Shloka 30
अध्यात्मरतिरासीनो निरपेक्षो निरामिष: । आत्मनैव सहायेन यश्चरेत् स सुखी भवेत्,जो अध्यात्मविद्यामें अनुरक्त, कामनाशून्य तथा भोगासक्तिसे दूर है, जो अकेला ही विचरण करता है, वह सुखी होता है
adhyātma-ratir āsīno nirapekṣo nirāmiṣaḥ | ātmanāiva sahāyena yaś caret sa sukhī bhavet ||
Nārada said: One who sits established in delight in the inner Self, free from dependence on external supports, and untouched by the lure of sense-pleasures—who moves about relying only on the Self as his companion—such a person becomes truly happy.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Happiness is grounded in inner absorption (adhyātma-rati), independence from external validation or support (nirapekṣa), and freedom from craving for sense-pleasures (nirāmiṣa). Living with the Self as one’s sole companion points to self-mastery and contentment rather than social or material dependence.
Nārada delivers an instruction in the Śānti Parva’s didactic setting, describing the marks of a spiritually mature person: inwardly established, desireless, untempted by enjoyment, and able to live and move through life relying on the Self—thereby attaining peace and happiness.