BG16.21

 Bhagavad Gita 16.21 teaches that lust (kāma), anger (krodha), and greed (lobha) are the three gates to self‑destruction, and therefore must be abandoned.  Hinduwebsite +4

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🔱 Verse (Sanskrit & Translation)

त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः ।

कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् ॥ १६‑२१॥

Translation:

“There are three gates leading to the hell of self‑destruction—lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, one should abandon all three.”

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🧠 What the Verse Means (Concise Takeaway)

The Gita identifies three inner tendencies that destroy clarity, peace, and moral judgment. These are not “hell” as a place, but psychological states that trap a person in suffering.

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🔍 Understanding the Three Gates

• Kāma – Lust — Uncontrolled desire that distorts judgment and leads to frustration when unfulfilled.

• Krodha – Anger — A fiery reaction born from obstructed desire; it destroys discernment and relationships.

• Lobha – Greed — The insatiable craving for more, which prevents contentment and fuels endless dissatisfaction.

Together they form a cycle: desire → frustration → anger → temporary gain → greed → more desire.

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🧘 Why Krishna Calls Them “Gates to Hell”

• They erode inner peace and create mental turmoil.

• They cloud discrimination, leading to harmful actions.

• They bind the soul to lower states of consciousness.

• They destroy relationships, ethics, and self‑respect.

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🌱 Practical Application Today

• In work: Avoiding unethical desires, managing anger, and resisting greed leads to integrity and stability.

• In relationships: Letting go of possessiveness, rage, and selfishness builds trust and harmony.

• In personal growth: Reducing desire and cultivating contentment leads to clarity and spiritual progress.

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🧭 If you want to go deeper

Would you like a full commentary, a modern-life interpretation, or a guided meditation on this verse?