Verse 16-22

एतैर्विमुक्त: कौन्तेय तमोद्वारैस्त्रिभिर्नर: |

आचरत्यात्मन: श्रेयस्ततो याति परां गतिम् || 22 ||

“O Arjuna, the person who is liberated from these three gates of darkness (desire, anger, and greed) practices self-discipline and attains the supreme goal.” 
 
Commentary

Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of freeing oneself from the three gates of darkness (desire, anger, and greed) and engaging in self-discipline. He states that the individual who is able to liberate themselves from these destructive tendencies and follows the path of self-discipline attains the highest welfare and reaches the ultimate destination.

 

By renouncing desires, anger, and greed, individuals can free themselves from the influence of tamas (darkness) and ignorance. Tamas is a quality of inertia, delusion, and spiritual ignorance that keeps individuals bound to materialistic tendencies and prevents them from realizing their true nature.

 

Practicing self-discipline involves cultivating control over one’s desires and actions, managing anger, and developing a balanced and detached approach towards material possessions. It includes following ethical principles, engaging in spiritual practices, and striving for inner growth and self-improvement.

 

When individuals free themselves from the influence of these negative tendencies and engage in self-discipline, they pave the way for their own spiritual progress and well-being. They align themselves with the path of righteousness and experience personal growth and transformation.

 

Lord Krishna states that by practicing self-discipline and liberating oneself from these gates of darkness, one attains the supreme goal. The supreme goal refers to the realization of one’s true nature, the attainment of spiritual enlightenment, and the ultimate union with the divine. It is the highest state of consciousness, transcending the cycle of birth and death.

 

This verse highlights the significance of freeing oneself from the destructive tendencies of desire, anger, and greed. It emphasizes the practice of self-discipline as a means to attain spiritual growth, inner peace, and the ultimate goal of self-realization. By overcoming these gates of darkness, individuals can experience true welfare and reach the highest spiritual destination.