Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.7

Raga is that which trails after pleasure.

सुखानुशयी रागः ॥

sukhanusayi ragah ||

Raga is that which trails after pleasure.

Raga (attachment) is the hook that follows pleasure. When something feels good, it leaves a strong impression, and the mind starts looking for the next dose: a certain person's attention, a social media like, a drink or a perfect grade. This matches the chain described in Bhagavad Gita 2.62. In modern terms, it is how craving and reward loops drive addiction. Pleasure itself is not wrong; the danger is when it becomes a rigid hook that runs your life.

All 35 chapters · 183 stories from real life · 61 Hindu shloks for the mind · Psychology for Everyone – A Mental Well Being Series