The Three Gates That Ruin the Self
There are three gates of ruin that undo a person from within — insatiable craving, blazing anger, and unquenchable greed. Therefore let these three go.
What is gnawing at my life right now — through which of these three gates did it enter?
📝Reflection
The old teacher says what ruins a person is not an outer enemy but three inner gates — craving, anger, greed. I always marvel that these stand parallel to the Buddhist three poisons (greed, hatred, delusion). Wisdom across ages and lands named the same three-faced foe. The word 'gate of ruin (dvāra)' is sharp — these do not storm in from outside; they enter only when I open the door. Most of what has wrecked me began the moment one of these three gates swung open. The power to guard the gate is freedom itself. Merely noticing these three already closes half the door.
🌱Apply It Today
When your mind starts to give way today, name which of the three gates it came through, and stand at that door.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
