Chapter 16 Verse 22
Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
एतैर्विमुक्तः कौन्तेय तमोद्वारैस्त्रिभिर्नरः।आचरत्यात्मनः श्रेयस्ततो याति परां गतिम्।।16.22।।
etair vimuktaḥ kaunteya tamo-dvārais tribhir naraḥ ācharaty ātmanaḥ śhreyas tato yāti parāṁ gatim
Word Meanings
| etaiḥ | from this |
| vimuktaḥ | freed |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| tamaḥ-dvāraiḥ | gates to darkness |
| tribhiḥ | three |
| naraḥ | a person |
| ācharati | endeavor |
| ātmanaḥ | soul |
| śhreyaḥ | welfare |
| tataḥ | thereby |
| yāti | attain |
| parām | supreme |
| gatim | goal |
Translation
A person who is liberated from these three gates of darkness, O Arjuna, practices what is beneficial for them and thus goes to the Supreme Goal.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that when a person frees themselves from the three gates of darkness (the forces that blind us — like desire, anger, and greed), they begin to act in ways that truly benefit their inner self. Freedom here means control over impulses that lead to harm and confusion.
Practicing what is good for the soul (shreya) means choosing steady, lasting welfare over short pleasures. Such choices build calmness, clarity, and moral strength.
By living in this way — steady, wise, and self-controlled — a person moves toward the highest spiritual goal: inner freedom, peace, and union with the divine or ultimate truth.
Life Application
- When tempted, pause and ask: “Will this bring lasting good or only short pleasure?” Choose the option that supports long-term well‑being.
- Work on small habits: limit impulsive spending, curb angry speech, and avoid greedy choices. Replace them with honest, kind actions.
- Keep a simple daily practice (quiet time, prayer, or self-reflection) and stay close to people who encourage calm and wise choices.
Reflection Question
What one impulse (desire, anger, or greed) can you begin to notice and gently change today?