An exclusive conversation with spiritual thinker and Srimad Bhagavad Gita scholar Prashant Mukund Das reveals a deeper explanation of the three gates of hell mentioned in the Gita. As India celebrates its hard-won political independence, Das emphasizes that what is really needed is inner freedom, a freedom that frees one from inner bondages like lust, anger and greed.
Citing the teachings of ancient scriptures, he explains that these three vices not only destroy mental peace but also cause the degradation of the soul. His message for today’s youth is clear that along with national independence, spiritual freedom is also equally important.
The challenge is not the external enemy, but the internal enemy. These are lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and lust. These six enemies secretly bind the mind, due to which a person becomes a victim of dissatisfaction, anxiety and stress despite material comforts. Today’s youth are struggling with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, says Prashant Mukund Das Even after national independence, spiritual knowledge is needed to fight the difficulties of life
Three Gates of Hell: Lust, Anger and Greed
Lord Shri Krishna clearly says in the 21st verse of the 16th chapter of Srimad Bhagavad Gita
Trividham Narakasyedam Dvaram Nashanmatmanah.
Kamah krodhasthatha lobhastasmamadetatrayam tyajet.
That is, there are three such doors which lead to hell and also destroy the soul.
Kama (uncontrollable desires) When desires go out of control, the person starts fulfilling them without caring about right or wrong. It leads to greed, deception, and endless dissatisfaction.
anger (anger) Anger destroys peace of mind and clouds decision making ability. It breaks relationships and creates situations of violence and regret.
greed (excessive greed) Greed never allows a person to be satisfied. The more one gets, the more the desire increases, and this causes mental stress and moral degradation.
Prashant Mukund Das says, avoiding these three is the first step to true liberation. Lust, anger and greed not only lead a man to hell but also bind the soul.
Three qualities of Maya and the bondage of the soul
Prashant ji further explains that the three qualities of Maya, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, influence our thinking and actions. God says in the 5th verse of the 14th chapter of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
Sattvam Rajastam Iti Gunaah Prakriti-Sambhava.
Nibadhnanti Mahabaho Dehe Dehinamavyam.
That is, Sattva (knowledge), Rajas (enthusiasm and desire for enjoyment) and Tamas (ignorance), these three qualities arise from nature and bind the indestructible soul with the body. Prashant ji says, these qualities keep the soul trapped in the cycle of birth and death. Tamoguna increases ignorance, Rajoguna ignites the desire for material pleasures, and Sattvaguna leads to knowledge. But true liberation comes when we transcend these three qualities.
Spiritual Path: The Path to True Freedom
Prashant Mukund Das believes that today’s youth can achieve true freedom only when they adopt the spiritual path. Satsang, Sadhana and study of scriptures like Geeta can free us from the bonds that bind us in the form of anxiety, stress and depression. Spiritual knowledge not only gives peace to the mind but also gives a feeling of true happiness to the soul.
message for youth
Prashant ji calls upon the youth to give importance to internal freedom along with national independence. When we wave the national flag proudly, we also take a pledge that we will free our souls from ignorance, attachment and suffering. True freedom is when we are free not only from external bonds but also from internal chains. Prashant Mukund Das says, let us not only celebrate external freedom on this Independence Day, but also resolve to free our soul.