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n this article, we will learn how to battle against the 5 vices (Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Pride) through contemplating on Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Bani and gaining spiritual wisdom to overcome these vices.
The 5 Vikaars
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਹਾਰਿਓ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਤੀ ਛੋਡਹਿ ਕਤਹੂੰ ਨਾਹੀ।।
Trying all sorts of things, I have grown weary, but still, they will not leave me alone.
ਏਕ ਬਾਤ ਸੁਨਿ ਤਾਕੀ ਓਟਾ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਮਿਟਿ ਜਾਹੀ।।
I have heard that the five thieves can be rooted out in Saadh Sangat, and so I seek their shelter.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji explains to us that these vices can be conquered by being in the Saadh Sangat rather than individual effort. Let’s have a deeper look at each one of these vices for a better understanding.
Lust (Kaam)
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਦਰਸਨਿ ਅਗਨਿ ਨਿਵਾਰੀ।।
By the Blessed Vision of the True Guru's Darshan, the fire of desire is quenched.
The vice of lust is such that it pulls our mind away from the truth and self-discipline. Indulging in this fire which is continuously growing, we suffer in the cycle of birth and death, and we suffer from spiritual blindness.
Guru Sahib Ji tells us that we can extinguish this fire by doing Darshan of Parmatma which will replace worldly hunger with divine longing and spiritual contentment. By doing Simran (remembrance of Vaheguru) and by keeping the company of the holy (Saadh Sangat), we can abandon lustful desires and fulfill our purpose in life which is to connect with Vaheguru rather than these temporary bodily pleasures.
Anger (Krodh)
ਹੇ ਕਲਿ ਮੂਲ ਕੋ੍ਧੰ ਕਦੰਚ ਕਰੁਣਾ ਨ ਉਪਰਜਤੇ।।
O anger, you are the root of conflict; compassion never rises up in you.
ਬਿਖਯੰਤ ਜੀਵੰ ਵਸ੍ਹੰ ਕਰੋਤਿ ਨਿਰਤ੍ਹੰ ਕਰੋਤਿ ਜਥਾ ਮਰਕਟਹ।।
You take the corrupt, sinful beings in your power, and make them dance like monkeys.
When anger takes hold, compassion doesn’t exist. This drowns the voice of wisdom. From small disputes to violence, it is often anger that fuels the fire.
As a Gurmukh, we should pursue calmness, forgiveness, and control over the mind to become aware of our inner self so we can consciously root it out through spiritual practice such as doing Simran and going to Sangat. When we sit in Sangat and contemplate Gurbani, slowly the fire of anger tends to cool down and we begin to respond with grace and compassion.
Greed (Lobh)
ਬਿਆਪਤ ਧਨ ਨਿਰਧਨ ਪੇਖਿ ਸੋਭਾ।।
It is seen to afflict the rich, the poor and the glorious .
ਮੂਲੁ ਬਿਆਧੀ ਬਿਆਪਸਿ ਲੋਭਾ।।
The source of this illness which torments us is greed.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji is referring to the illness of the mind that torments humanity from within, this is caused by greed. Greed is a never-ending hunger because of which our mind is always chasing for more. This constant thirst makes us spiritually and mentally ill.
Maharaj tells us that no matter how much one collects, the inner thirst remains unquenched until one embraces Naam. We should be greedy and thirsty for Naam, not for materialistic and worldly desires. To eradicate this illness from our souls, we should be in a state of contentment (Santokh) which will pull us away from Lobh. In the Saadh Sangat, the pull of Maya becomes weaker, and the light of Guru Sahib Ji’s wisdom grows.
Attachment (Moh)
ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਰਾਮ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਚਾ।।
Following the Guru's Teachings, I am immersed in the Lord's Love.
ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਤੁਟਹਿ ਸਭ ਬੰਧਨ ਇਹੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਪਰਜਾਲਣਾ।।
Attachment causes sorrow and suffering because it binds the soul to temporary relationships and identities limiting spiritual growth. Doubt clouds the mind and creates uncertainty which restrains us from trusting Guru Sahib Ji for everything.
By embracing divine wisdom and following Guru Sahib Ji’s teachings, we break free from the bonds of attachment. We begin to see everything as part of the Divine will. In turn, we experience inner peace, as the heart becomes purified, detached from worldly illusions, and connected with the Divine. By following Their teachings, we can learn how to love our family and society without getting attached and keeping our focus on Naam.
Pride (Ahankar)
ਸਭਹੂ ਤਲੈ ਤਲੈ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਏਹ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਾਏ।।
Beneath all, and above all; this is the vision I saw.
ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਖੋਇ ਖੋਇ ਖੋਇ ਖੋਈ ਹਉ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੁ ਦਿ੍ੜਾਏ।।
I have destroyed, destroyed, destroyed my pride, since the True Guru implanted His Mantra within me.
Pride separates the soul from Guru Sahib Ji because it creates the illusion of control and self arrogance. This vice makes us think that we are the doers and clings us to claim ownership over what is not truly ours.
To overcome this, Guru Sahib Ji implants Naam deep within our hearts to destroy our ego, teaching us to serve with humility (Nimrata) which opens our heart to grace. Guru Sahib Ji’s light burns away ignorance, leaving the soul in harmony with Vaheguru. Through Simran and Saadh Sangat we can dissolve ego to be united with the One.
Final Message For Us
By following the Updesh (teaching) given to us by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, we can conquer these vices through Naam Simran and Saadh Sangat. Let us walk this path with sincerity and fill our hearts with humility, love, and Divine wisdom by surrendering to Guru Sahib Ji.
