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Summary of Question:	5 Vices
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 11/12/2003 5:30 PM MST

Hello,

What are the 5 vices and what do they mean? i heard of kam, krodh and the rest.
for like lust for example, does that mean u can't have sex? please shed light on my issue.
thanks

<<<<< REPLY>>>>>

Sat Nam! These are simply natural energies

Fire = anger
Water = Lust
Earth= Attachment
Air = Pride

When you devote your energy to any of these, it tends to grow - and you go deeper and deeper into it. It takes your attention away from the infinite and binds it to the finite.

To overcome this, you must redirect your energies. Take the heat of your anger and use it to be angry at yourself for your bad habits. Use it to correct your behavior. Take the flow of lust, and instead of directing it towards sex, use the energy to list after union with God. Take your habit to be attached to earthly things and redirect your attachment to your Guru and attach yourself to his Lotus Feet. Take your thoughts about yourself (pride) and use that energy to do seva and direct your thoughts to the needs of others.

It is a self-discipline. The energies are natural. Everyone has them. What you DO with that energy is up to you.

.....G