Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 22

English Translation

O son of Kunti, a person who is free from these three doors to darkness strives for the good of the soul. Thery he attains the highest Goal.

Detailed Commentary

Commentary on 16.22: *Etairvimuktah Kaunteya... tato yati param gatim* – What were called the gates to hell in the previous verse, namely *Kama* (desire), *Krodha* (anger), and *Lobha* (greed), are here referred to as the gates of ignorance. *Tam* means darkness, which arises from *ajnana* (ignorance). Bhagavad Gita 14.8 states: "*Tamastvajnanam viddhi*" (Know *Tamas* to be born of ignorance). This means that due to these desires, we remain entangled in money, family, etc., and overlook the truth of life. Therefore, one who becomes free from these and acts for their true welfare alone attains the *param gati* (supreme goal). A *sadhaka* (spiritual aspirant) should pay special attention to guarding against *Kama*, *Krodha*, and *Lobha*. This is the true *sadhaka*, who does not allow these flaws to accompany them. People engage in *seva* (service) and *bhakti* (devotion), but they neglect the accompanying defects. For this reason, even while performing *sadhana* (spiritual practice), both good and bad *karma* continue to accrue. People think that by performing *Japa* (chanting), *Dhyana* (meditation), *Kirtan* (devotional singing), *Satsang* (spiritual company), and *Vrat* (vows), they will become pure, but they do not pay attention to removing what is making them impure. *Etairvimuktah* (freed from these) does not mean that we should perform *sadhana* only after becoming completely free from all vices. Rather, a *sadhaka* should aim to be free from these flaws, keeping *Bhagavat-prapti* (attainment of God) as the main objective. Because if lies, deceit, dishonesty, *kama*, *krodha*, etc., remain in our lives, new impurities will keep arising. For this reason, even after years of *sadhana*, the *sadhaka* does not experience any significant transformation. *Shreyah acharati* (acts for one's highest good) means that one should not allow *Kama*, *Krodha*, or *Lobha* to manifest in one's conduct. *Sadhana* should be pure. Even if a *vritti* (mental modification) arises, do not let it manifest in behavior. Try to remove it through your own effort. If you cannot remove it through your own efforts, then call out to God. Goswami Tulsidasji Maharaj says: "My heart, O Lord, is Your dwelling. Many thieves have come and settled there. They act with great force; they do not heed prayers or entreaties." Connection: Those who follow the injunctions of the *shastras* (scriptures) attain the *param gati*. But what becomes of those who act arbitrarily is described in the next verse.