yaṁ labdhvā cāparaṁ lābhaṁ manyate nādhikaṁ tataḥ yasmin sthito na duḥkhena guruṇāpi vicālyate
"...having obtained which, one thinks there is no greater gain; established in which, one is not shaken even by the heaviest sorrow..."
What This Means:
Once you've attained this state, you know there's nothing better to gain. And when you're established in it, even the most terrible suffering can't shake you.
Going Deeper:
This is the ultimate value proposition. Na adhika (nothing greater)—compared to Self-realization, all other gains are trivial. Guruna duhkhena na vichalyate (not shaken by heavy sorrow)—the test of attainment is equanimity in extreme difficulty, not just pleasant circumstances.
How To Apply This:
Notice what you currently consider the greatest possible gain—wealth, love, achievement? This verse suggests there's something beyond all these. And that 'something' makes you unshakeable. Keep this possibility alive in your practice.
Key Sanskrit Terms: