Chapter 16, Verse 22
एतैर्विमुक्त: कौन्तेय तमोद्वारैस्त्रिभिर्नर: | आचरत्यात्मन: श्रेयस्ततो याति परां गतिम् ॥22॥
etair vimuktaḥ kaunteya tamo-dvārais tribhir naraḥ | ācaraty ātmanaḥ śreyas tato yāti parāṁ gatim
"O son of Kunti, a person who is free from these three doors to darkness strives for the good of the soul. Then, he attains the highest Goal."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Shree Krishna explains the profound benefit of overcoming the 'three gates of hell'—lust, anger, and greed. When a seeker liberates themselves from these internal enemies, their intellect is no longer clouded by the 'Tamas' (darkness) of immediate, sensory gratification (Preya). This clarity allows the individual to practice 'Shreya'—actions that lead to the long-term welfare of the soul. By consistently choosing the path of righteousness and spiritual discipline over impulsive desires, one eventually reaches the ultimate destination: God-realization or the Supreme Goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 16.22?
O son of Kunti, a person who is free from these three doors to darkness strives for the good of the soul. Then, he attains the highest Goal.