Next verse Krishna will describe how we can have inner happiness how we can move from lower level of happiness to higher level of happiness.

This section from 2.54 to 2.72 is the most practical sections of BG for sadhakas- all these verses can be memorized, and contemplated.

BG 2.70

apuryamanam acala–pratishtham

samudram apah pravisanti yadvat

tadvat kama yam pravisanti sarve

sa santim apnoti na kama–kami

SYNONYMS

apuryamanam — always being filled; acala–pratishtham — steadily situated; samudram — the ocean; apah — waters; pravisanti — enter; yadvat — as; tadvat — so; kamah — desires; yam — unto whom; pravisanti — enter; sarve — all; sah — that person; santim — peace; apnoti — achieves; na — not; kama–kami — one who desires to fulfill desires.

TRANSLATION

A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires — that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still — can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.

apuryamanam -> Puryam means complete,

acala–pratishtham -> Not getting disturned within his boundary within his support

samudram apah pravisanti yadvat, samudra-> ocean apah-> water

Just as water keeps flowing into the ocean without ever causing it to overflow, similarly, material desires enter a person, yet a person who remains unaffected by these desires attains true peace (tadvat kama yam pravisanti sarve) instead of becoming a slave to desires (santim apnoti na kama-kami).

The term ‘kama-kami’ is derived from ‘kama’ meaning desire and ‘kami’ meaning desirer. A ‘desirer of desires’ refers to someone who relentlessly pursues desires. To understand this metaphor, we must examine it more closely.

Normally, we of desires as outwardly, I desire something. However, Krishna is comparing desire to rivers flowing into an ocean. He is talking about desires can also come from within when external senses objects stimulate desires within us.

When these enticing sensory perceptions arise, a person who is ‘na kama kami’—who does not become the desirer of desires—rejects these desires, much like declining a sales proposal. This person does not succumb to desire, na kama kami.

Similarly in this case, it is said the desires enter inside, but no desires exit; so how can that happen? Ocean is having a so much of water in it, even if additional water does not cause overflow. But a small puddle of water will completely overflow even if little water is added. Here, the ocean or puddle is referred to happiness within us. Krishna, the embodiment of divine love is referred to as ‘prema sagar’- full of bliss and happiness. Through sadhana and remembering Krishna, devotees invoke His presence within themselves. Thus, an ocean of happiness resides within the devotee. When desires for happiness arise, the devotee declines, saying, ‘I have abundant happiness already.’

In contrast, if our heart holds only a small portion of happiness, we eagerly welcome and embrace any slight desire for gratification.

A devotee who remains undisturbed by desires attains true peace—’sa santim apnoti na kama-kami.’ Peace arises from transcending desires rather than indulging them. Desires may approach like proposals, but the devotee does not pursue them, remaining calmly neutral due to the presence of abundant existing happiness.

External desires may try to enter, but there is no reciprocity from within. Bhukti-Mukti-Siddhi Kami Sakala Ashant Krishna Bhakta Niskam Atev Shanta

A true devotee is unaffected by material bondage—’bhukti-mukti-siddhi kami sakala ashant.’ Material liberation comes in two forms: ‘videha,’ liberation achieved after leaving the body and returning to Godhead, and ‘jivan mukti,’ liberation experienced while in the body, where one remains unaffected by material modes. Rupa Goswami emphasizes that when one is completely absorbed in Krishna’s service with body, mind, and words, material bondage no longer holds sway (Yeha asya harer dase karman mansa gira nikala …jivan mukta …). Prahlad Maharaj exemplifies this by not seeking personal liberation but focusing on sharing the glories of the Lord, relishing the divine nectar.