Three Inhibitors

Every human being is engaged in an unending battle with the world outside and the world within. Rarely does a day pass without encountering some disturbance. Externally, we struggle with traffic chaos, pollution, unpredictable weather, other people's anger, and the endless delays created by external systems. But inner enemies, shadvairi - lust, anger, greed, ego, envy and attachment - could be more dangerous.

In the 16th chapter of the Bhagwad Gita, Krishn identifies lust, anger and greed as the three gateways to hell. Lust is a restless craving for sensual pleasures; when unfulfilled, it gives birth to anger, and when satisfied, it breeds greed, a never-ending thirst for more. A person trapped in this vicious cycle, Krishn warns, walks steadily towards self-destruction.

Duryodhan's irrational lust for power made him refuse even a needle-tip of land to the Pandavs. Anger consumed him, and his arrogance led to the devastating war at Kurukshetra, ending in his downfall. Ravan, the mighty king of Lanka, fell prey to his lust for Sita and met his end. Bali, though powerful, was blinded by greed for Indra's throne, and Vaman sent him to the netherworld to teach him humility.


Such stories are not relics of a forgotten age; they are mirrors held up to our own lives in Kali Yug. When the pull of pleasure, possession and pride grows stronger than the voice of conscience, these tales remind us that self-mastery alone leads to peace.