tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ dvāraṁ nāśhanam ātmanaḥ
kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet
tri-vidham — three types of;
narakasya — to the hell;
idam — this;
dvāram — gates;
nāśhanam — destruction;
ātmanaḥ — self;
kāmaḥ — lust;
krodhaḥ — anger;
tathā — and;
lobhaḥ — greed;
tasmāt — therefore;
etat — these;
trayam — three;
tyajet — should abandon
This verse talks about three main issues that can lead a person away from a good and meaningful life. These issues are lust (extreme desire), anger, and greed. Let’s break it down:
1. **Understanding Lust, Anger, and Greed**: Lust is not just about romantic desire; it often refers to a strong craving for things, whether that be for love, possessions, or pleasures. Anger is the feeling we get when we are frustrated or hurt, leading to shouting, bitterness, or even violence. Greed is the desire to have more than we need, often at the expense of others, whether that’s wanting more money, power, or things.
2. **How These Lead to Trouble**: When a person consistently lets their desires take over (lust), when they let anger to dictate their actions, or when they are overly greedy, they start going down a negative path. This path can lead to bad actions and ultimately to suffering. The verse describes this as heading towards 'hell,' which means not just a physical place but a state of being where life becomes painful and difficult.
3. **Why It’s Important to Give These Up**: It’s said that every wise person should try to give up these three negative feelings because they are harmful. If someone lets these feelings take control, it can hurt their soul—the essence of who they are. It can lead to chaos in their lives, hurting their relationships, their peace of mind, and their long-term happiness.
4. **The Start of a Bad Life**: This verse indicates that when a person gives in to these feelings, they are starting a cycle that can spiral downwards. This means that the once-good person can start acting in ways that hurt themselves and others. The longer someone stays angry, lustful, or greedy, the harder it gets to return to a peaceful and fulfilling life.
5. **A Call for Self-Reflection**: The text encourages taking a step back and reflecting on one’s feelings and actions. By being honest about desires that lead to anger and greed, a person can make healthier choices that contribute to personal growth and a happier life.
6. **The Goal of Overcoming These**: The ultimate goal is to become free from material desires and unnecessary negativity. It doesn’t mean that one stops wanting things altogether but rather learns to control these desires. When a person is able to overcome lust, anger, and greed, they pave a way towards peace and enlightenment, leading to a healthier, more fulfilling existence.