Chapter 16 · Verse 21 of 24
The Yoga of the Division between Divine and Demoniac Natures
दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोग
Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Sex, anger, and greed, these three, are the principal gateways to hell, leading to self-destruction. Hence, one must renounce all three. (16:21)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः ।
कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत्॥
Word-by-word
त्रि-विधम् नरकस्य इदम् द्वारम् नाशनम् आत्मनः—
कामः क्रोधः तथा लोभः; तस्मात् एतत् त्रयम् त्यजेत्।
Commentary
Sexual activity may not necessarily be renounced, except for those who have chosen the path of sannyāsa and have become renunciate monks. It’s important to clarify that what is being cautioned against here is not the act of sex itself but rather unethical and uncontrolled sexual behavior. This understanding can be deepened by considering this verse in conjunction with other verses such as 7:11, 10:28, 5:23, 2:58, and 2:59, among others.