Bhagavad Gita is one of the most profound texts that can help us achieve true inner peace and liberation from all kinds of attachments. Each and every word that Lord Krishna uttered to help Arjuna come out of his self-negating thoughts and beliefs can gift us guiding light to navigate through modern day struggles. In fact, a particularly important idea is shared in Chapter 2 where Bhagwan talked about the three gates of hell that can result in the downfall of anyone. Understanding these 3 important concepts can help us in making the right decisions during tough times. Lets dive deep.
Lord Krishna About Three Gates to Hell
1. Uncontrolled Desires
Bhagwan Krishna pointed out that desire or Kama can become as an “all-devouring” enemy which can lead to an individual’s destruction if it remains unchecked. In the modern, consumerist society, we know that each and everything is commercialised. A large number of people are obsessed with buying luxury cars, latest gadgets or branded clothings. This constant craving for more can cloud our judgements and destabilise our internal harmony. Therefore, as Lord Krishna said, we have to learn to remain balanced like an ocean into which rivers flow from every corner. A wise person will maintaining inner tranquility even though he is living amidst the storm of meaningless distractions and negativities.
2. Anger
Lord Krishna told Arjuna: “From anger comes delusion and from delusion there is confusion of memory, and then there is loss of reason. From that, there is complete ruin.”
Here we can see that Bhagwan has linked anger with “complete ruin.” A spark of anger can start a chain reaction that can be very detrimental for our long-term well-being. This is the reason why the Lord tells us that anger can create hell inside our souls, which can manifest in the form of tremendous amounts of negativities for those around us. So, keeping our anger in check is necessary to ensure that we are moving in the right direction when it comes to our spiritual journey.
3. Greed
Greed is the insatiable hunger that can lead to our downfall like unchecked desire. It is a key reason for betrayal, corruption and relationship problems in our society. Indeed, the perpetual chase after sensual gratification will make us immune to the beauty and harmony of the present moment. Instead of worrying consistently about how to gain more or what will happen in the future, we should ground ourselves in the present moment and fulfil our duties without expecting anything in return. The is the path of inner purification and Karma Yoga, as recommended by Lord Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita Verse About Gates to Hell
Verse 21 in Chapter 1 defines the three gates to hell. In the words of Lord Krishna:
"Trividham narakasyedam dvaram nashanamatmanah | Kaamah krodhastha lobhastasmadetattrayam tyajet ||”
Translation: “Desire, anger and greed- these are the three gates to hell that destroy the soul. Therefore, one must renounce these three vices.”
Steps From Bhagavad Gita for Inner Balance
An important lesson that we should learn from these words of Bhagwan is that hell is not some world external to us. But it is a reality that we create within us through our own thoughts, beliefs and habits. Some of the steps, recommended by Lord Krishna, that we can take up to develop a blocking wall against negativities of this world include:
Transform your mind into an alley by filtering out the bad elements from going inside your mind. Make sure that you read, listen to and watch only those things that will help you in your spiritual journey.
Karma Yoga- fulfil your duties. Don’t think about results.
Meditation- the most powerful tool to attain deep inner calm.
Dedicate your deeds to Bhagwan Krishna. Transform your duties into your offerings to the Lord.
Everyday, read a number of Bhagavad Gita verses.
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