Arishadvargas

In Hindu theology, Arishadvarga are the six enemies^[1] of the mind, which are: kama (lust), krodha^[2] (anger), lobha (greed), moha^[3] (attachment), mada (pride), and matsarya^[4] (jealousy);^[5] the negative characteristics of which prevent man from attaining moksha or salvation.

These are the fundamental tenets of Kali Yuga. The more each individual fights them, the longer will be the life of Dharma in this yuga.

1. kama — lust
2. krodha — anger
3. lobha — greed
4. moha — delusory emotional attachment or temptation
5. mada — pride, hubris, (being possessed by)
6. matsarya — envy, jealousy

According to the Hindu scriptures, kama and krodha (lust and anger) are responsible for all kinds of difficult experiences we face in our lives.

With mada or ahankar, the false ego up and active, all our actions in the world are for selfish ends. Hence there is no other factor causing the illusory duality of differentiation between 'us' and 'them' and the repeated pain and delusion it entails than the psychological ego-sense. When the materially identified ego has sided with the materialistic forces of creation (Maya), it is said to have the following faults: kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya. Also called evil passions, man's spiritual heritage constantly gets looted by these internal thieves (and their numerous variations), causing him to lose knowledge of his True Being.

If a person is virtually a prisoner of arishadvargas (the six internal enemies), then his life is completely governed by destiny. As a person moves ahead on the path of Self-Realization, the grip of destiny over him loosens and he gets more and more leverage to change his destiny. When a person identifies himself with the Self, then he becomes part of the power of destiny. Merely his power of Sankalpa is good enough to materialize and change any situation either for good or bad according to his sankalpa.

Through bhakti and renunciation, these 6 vices can be overcome. The great Vaishnava Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu exhorted, "Krishna Nama Sankirtan" i.e. the constant chanting of the Lord's name is the supreme healer in Kali Yuga. It destroys sins and purifies the hearts through Bhakti and ensures universal peace.

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