Now, Arjuna, I will tell you about the three kinds of happiness. The happiness which comes from long practice, which leads to the end of suffering, which at first is like poison, but at last like nectar—this kind of happiness, arising from the serenity of one’s own mind, is called sattvic. Rajasic happiness comes from contact between the senses and their objects, and is at first like nectar, but at last like poison. [18.39–43] Happiness is called tamasic when it is self-deluding from beginning to end, and arises from sleep, indolence, and dullness.
