Five Evils

Five Evils

Template:Five Thieves

The five thieves (panchadosh or panj vikar) are, according to Sikhism, the five major weaknesses of the human personality at variance with its spiritual essence. The common evils far exceed five in number, but a group of five came to be identified because of the obstruction they are believed to cause in man's pursuit of the moral and spiritual path. The group of five evils comprises Kam (lust), Krodh (rage), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment) and Ahankar (ego) in Punjabi; translated into English these words mean lust/addiction, wrath/rage/anger, materialistic greed, attachment/worldly infatuation and ego/pride respectively. The word "evil" here may be understood to represent the connotation of Punjabi pap (sin), dokh (defect), or kilbikh (defilement).

It is the primary aim of the practising Sikh to subdue these five inner evils and render them useless. The actions of one's mind should be above, beyond and without interference from these five inner urges or sins. It's a Sikh's duty to not base their life subject to these five passions of the human heart. To live a life in devotion to the Almighty Waheguru in positive Spirits (Chardikala) and in His Mercy (Hukam). To remember God in Naam Simran, engaged in community service (Sewa) and to practise the Five Virtues. By taking these positive steps, the Five Evils are overcome and rendered ineffective. By adopting this daily routine and discipline the person's actions become pure (Nirmal) and rewarding to the soul and the negativity of the person is removed.