Kaam

Kaam (Punjabi: ਕਾਮ; Kāma) is one of the five thieves in Sikhism, described as excessive lust or desire.[1] A devout Sikh is expected to be in control of Kaam at all times.[2]

"Kam" redirects here. For other uses, see Kam (disambiguation).
Drawing of an amorous Sikh couple by James Abbott, circa 1826–1867
Sikh beliefs
  • 1a. Simran (spiritual contemplation)
  • 1b. Sewa (selfless service)
  • 2. Three Pillars
    • 2a. Naam Japo (contemplating God's names) Meditating on God's name to control the five evils and living a satisfying life.
    • 2b. Kirat Karo (work diligently) Earning/making a living honestly, without exploitation or fraud
    • 2c. Vand Chhako Sharing with others, helping those with less or those who are in need
  • 3. Five Thieves
    • 3a. Kaam (lust)
    • 3b. Krodh (anger)
    • 3c. Lobh (greed)
    • 3d. Moh (attachment, e.g. to material things or people)
    • 3e. Hankaar (ego, pride)
  • 4. Five Virtues
Five Evils

1. Kam (Lust) 2. Krodh (Rage) 3. Lobh (Greed) 4. Moh (Attachment) 5. Ahankar (Ego)

Meaning

The word refers to all desires but usually it is used in reference to desires which are sexual in-nature.[3] Normal and healthy amounts of sexual lust and desire, such as between two married spouses, is not condemned in Sikhism but rather excessive amounts which interfere in one's spiritual journey is treated as both a vice and immoral.[4][5] Kaam is not looked upon as wholly a biological phenomenon but also as a learnt behaviour in-which one can be influenced negatively by others.[6]

The Guru Granth Sahib offers the following commentary on the nature of Kaam:[4]

"O Kaam, you send men to hell and make them wander through myriad wombs. You cheat all minds; sway all the three worlds; and vanquish one's all austerities, meditation and culture. Your pleasures are illusory; you make men unsteady and weak; and punish the high and the low alike." (Guru Granth Sahib)

— H.S. Singha, Sikh Studies, book 7, page 65

See also

References
  1. Singh, Harbans (1992–1998). The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Patiala: Punjabi University. p. 419. ISBN 9788173803499.
  2. Blake, Simon (2002). Faith, values and sex & relationships education. Zarine Katrak, National Children's Bureau. London: National Children's Bureau. p. 55. ISBN 1-900990-32-6. OCLC 863556177.
  3. Anand, Tejinder Kaur (2015). Essence of Sikhism. Vol. 8 (Reprint ed.). Vikas Publishing House. pp. 45–46. ISBN 9788125919490.
  4. Singha, H. S. (2005). Sikh Studies - book 7. Hemkunt Press. p. 65. ISBN 9788170102458. OCLC 967096375.
  5. Dilagīra, Harajindara Siṅgha (1997). The Sikh reference book (1st ed.). Edmonton, Alb., Canada: Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark. pp. 108–109. ISBN 0-9695964-2-1. OCLC 37769917.
  6. Singh, Jagraj (2009). A complete guide to Sikhism. Chandigarh, India: Unistar Books. p. 292. ISBN 978-81-7142-754-3. OCLC 319683249.


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