Verse (Roman transliteration)
Kaama Krodho Lobho Mohah,
Tesham Tyaktam Dheeva Bhavaah
Atma Jnaanam Vina Moksho,
Naasti Kimapi Hi Satyam
Translation
Lust, anger, greed, and delusion — give them up. These are the forest of enemies. Without self-knowledge, there is truly no liberation.
The teaching
The four classical obstacles — kama (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (delusion) — are explicitly named as the enemies of freedom. The solution is not mere suppression but self-knowledge. You do not escape these forces by willing them away. You transcend them through understanding their nature and your own.
Living this today
Illustrative example: When a headline makes you furious, pause before sharing it. Read the source and ask what you actually know. A feeling can deserve attention without deciding the next action.