Chapter 16 Verse 21
Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः।कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत्।।16.21।।
tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ dvāraṁ nāśhanam ātmanaḥ kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet
Word Meanings
| tri-vidham | three types of |
| narakasya | to the hell |
| idam | this |
| dvāram | gates |
| nāśhanam | destruction |
| ātmanaḥ | self |
| kāmaḥ | lust |
| krodhaḥ | anger |
| tathā | and |
| lobhaḥ | greed |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| etat | these |
| trayam | three |
| tyajet | should abandon |
Translation
There are three gates to this hell, destructive of the self: lust, anger, and greed; therefore, one should abandon these three.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna points out that lust, anger, and greed open the door to inner ruin. These impulses pull us away from clarity, peace, and true well‑being.
They lead to harmful actions and keep us trapped in regret and repeated mistakes. Letting them rule the mind makes life smaller and more painful.
Abandoning them means seeing them clearly, not being driven by them, and choosing steady, wise action instead of quick gratification or revenge.
Life Application
- Pause before you act: take a few breaths when desire, rage, or craving arise. This creates space to choose a wiser response.
- Practice small daily limits: eat, spend, and use digital media with moderation; give time or money away to weaken greed.
- Turn energy into service or work: when desire or anger surfaces, channel it into helpful tasks, exercise, or calm conversation.
Reflection Question
Which of these three—lust, anger, or greed—most often leads me to make choices I later regret?