Bahya-sparsheshv-asaktatma

Whoever is unattached to external sense pleasures discovers joy within the Self. Such a person, united with Brahman through Yoga, experiences a happiness that never runs out — akshaya, imperishable.

A lamp placed outdoors is blown out by strong wind. But a lamp sheltered inside a room — the wind cannot reach it. Inner joy does not depend on outer circumstances. It does not fluctuate with what happens outside.

This shloka speaks of the inner joy that differs entirely from pleasure born of external contact. 'Akshayam' — that which never diminishes — points to the eternal nature of this happiness. Tradition regards this verse as the practical fruit of atma-nishtha and brahma-yoga.