The Yoga of Meditation

Krishna describes the unparalleled value and stability of self-realization. 'Yaṁ labdhvā cāparaṁ lābhaṁ manyate nādhikaṁ tataḥ'—having attained (labdhvā) which (yam), one thinks (manyate) there is no (na) greater (adhikam) gain (lābham) than that (tataḥ). This means: when you've achieved self-realization, when you've experienced the ultimate happiness, you know there's nothing greater. No material gain, no achievement, no experience compares. This is the highest—there's nothing beyond it. 'Yasmin sthito na duḥkhena guruṇāpi vicālyate'—being established (sthitaḥ) in which (yasmin), one is not (na) shaken (vicālyate) even (api) by great (guruṇā) sorrow (duḥkhena). This means: when you're established in self-realization, even the greatest sorrow doesn't shake you. You're steady, stable, unshakable. Loss, failure, pain, grief—none of it can disturb you because your happiness doesn't depend on external things. You're established in something unshakeable—your true nature. This is the value of self-realization—unparalleled gain, unshakeable stability.