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. It is one of the Five Evils of Sikhism that hinder one's spiritual progression. An individual suffering from the evil is known as a Lobhi.

Translation

Whilst most commonly translated to "greed", Harbans Singh has also rendered translating the term to avarice, covetousness or cupidity.

Description

It is an inherent instinct of mankind that Sikhism denounces to the fullest extent when it arises and keeps one away from spiritual advancement. It is also seen as hindering moral improvement. "O lobh, you have lured the best of men who gambol about under your sway. Their minds waver and run in all directions. You have respect neither for friend nor for one worthy of adoration, neither for father, mother or kindred. You make one do what one must not do ...'" Lobh is related and linked to kaam, another of the five thieves. Whilst lobh is disproportionately large desire or covetousness for material things, kaam, on the other hand is the extreme desire for sexual things. An individual's lobh commonly comes at the cost of another person. According to Sikhism, it makes an individual selfish and self-centered. It takes a person away from his religious and social duties. A person can become blind with greed in an effort to control the desire for unlimited worldly possessions. Sikhs do not believe that it is wrong to enjoy the good things in life, to be wealthy or to be admired by others. The Gurus taught that human beings should make the most of everything that God has given. However, if a person's actions and thoughts are focused on possessing the material things in life he or she is no longer focused on God then they are moving further and further from liberation and Mukti. Excessive greed or lobh feeds into the ego (haumai) by glorifying the individual rather than God. In Sikhism, wealth should be used for the benefit of others, not for greedy aims. Lobh dismantles the steadiness and peacefulness of the mind and leads it astray. It leads to "mendacity, exploitation and abuse of power".

Forms

According to Harbans Singh, Lobh can manifest in two forms: Both forms of lobh are criticized by Guru Arjan, who states: "... pelf becomes the breath of life for the greedy"

Solution

The antidote to lobh is contentment or santokh. Unlike other religious traditions, Sikhism does not prescribe renunciation from the world as a solution to lobh but rather discourages this method. The Sikh gurus advocate the lifestyle of grihastha, that is, the life of a normal householder. It does not advocate total abandonment of material possessions but rather it teaches that the attachment to these possessions and desire for them is the problem. Furthermore, these material things do not remain with an individual after their death, and their impermanence is stressed. One accumulates paap (sin) in the process of collecting wealth. Guru Amar Das gives a warning to the spiritual seekers: "Do not be led astray by maya... Know that your millions shall not keep you company."

Scriptural excerpts

The following Shabads from Gurbani clarify this cardinal vice: