Sikh beliefs |
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Five Evils |
1. Kam (Lust) 2. Krodh (Rage) 3. Lobh (Greed) 4. Moh (Attachment) 5. Ahankar (Ego) |
Lobh (Gurmukhi: ਲੋਭ Lōbha) is a word derived from the Sanskrit (लोभ), which translates in English to "greed"; it is a strong desire for worldly possessions and a constant focus on possessing material items, especially the urge to possess what rightfully belongs to others.[1][2][3] It is one of the Five Evils of Sikhism that hinder one's spiritual progression.[1][4][2][3] An individual suffering from the evil is known as a Lobhi.[5]
Lobh or greed is an outworking of a natural impulse. It is necessary for a person to want to have enough to live their life and provide for their family. When this becomes the main focus of a person's life, it can be all-consuming. It is not wrong to be wealthy within Sikhism, but it is wrong to seek wealth for selfish reasons. It may begin for positive reasons but can quickly become all-consuming as people focus on the material aspects of life and the desire to accumulate and have more. This is a distraction from the naam, the true focus of life. It is an expression of haumai, where a person's wealth is shown to glorify the self. Where wealth is used to benefit others this would be seen to be a positive thing.
In addition, Guru Nanak urges human beings to avoid lust (kam), anger (krodh), greed (lobh), attachment (moh) ... These are called the "five thieves" (panj chor), and the need to control them is a repeated theme in Guru Nanak's hymns; ...
Guru Amar Das stated, 'Within this body are hidden five thieves: they are lust, wrath, greed, attachment and egoism. They steal away the nectar within us ... In Punjabi the names of the five vices are, kam, krodh, lobh, moh, and hankar.
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was invoked but never defined (see the help page).