Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 21

English Translation

This door of hell, which is the destroyer of the soul, is of three kinds-passion, anger and also greed. Therefore one should forsake these three.

Detailed Commentary

।।16.21।। Explanation: Kama, Krodha, and Lobha are the three gates to hell. Bhagavan had stated in the fifth verse that Daivi Sampatti (divine virtues) lead to liberation, and Asuri Sampatti (demonic qualities) lead to bondage. Asuri Sampatti originates from worldly desires. The accumulation of means of enjoyment, craving for honor, praise, and comfort which seem appealing, the attraction within them, is what leads one towards hell. Therefore, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha (delusion), Mada (arrogance), and Matsara (envy) are called the Shatripu (six enemies). Sometimes three, sometimes two, and sometimes one of these is mentioned, but all of them together are one. Among these, Kama is the root, because it is by desire that a person becomes bound (Gita 5.12). In the thirty-sixth verse of the third chapter, Arjuna had asked why a person commits sin even without wishing to, to which Bhagavan identified Kama and Krodha as enemies. But even among these, Kama was deemed primary, because when a desire is obstructed, Krodha arises. Here, Kama, Krodha, and Lobha are described as the three enemies. The implication is that the desire for enjoyment is Kama, and the desire for accumulation is Lobha. Where the word Kama appears alone, it refers to both the desire for enjoyment and accumulation. But where both Kama and Lobha appear, enjoyment is Kama, and accumulation is Lobha. When there is an obstruction, Krodha arises. When these three intensify, Moha occurs. From Kama arises Krodha, and from Krodha, Moha (Gita 2.62-63). If desire is not obstructed, then Lobha develops, and from that, Moha ensues. In reality, it is Kama itself that takes the form of Krodha and Lobha. Upon Moha, Tamoguna (the quality of inertia/darkness) takes over, and then the complete Asuri Sampatti manifests. Kama, Krodha, and Lobha are destructive to human beings. Those whose aim is enjoyment and accumulation consider them beneficial. Their intention is to attain happiness and live comfortably through Kama and the like, but this very intention leads to downfall. Therefore, one should abandon this triad. Kama, Krodha, etc., are the gates to hell, therefore one should relinquish them. How to renounce them? Bhagavan has explained in the thirty-fourth verse of the third chapter that attachment (Raga/Kama) and aversion (Dvesha/Krodha) reside in the objects of each sense organ. The seeker (sadhaka) should not fall under their sway and should not perform any action driven by Kama, Krodha, or Lobha, because acting under their influence leads to spiritual degradation. Connection: Now, Bhagavan explains the importance of being free from Kama, Krodha, and Lobha—