Kaam (lust)

KAAM (Lust)

Kaam: literally: lust, libido, passion for sexual intercourse, sexual appetite, lecherousness (lechery).

Earlier, Kaam was considered to be an instinct for procreation. It was related with creativity.

With the passage of time it came to be known as lust.

Kaam (lust) is one of the major vices in all the religions.

Sikhism does not prohibit love for one’s partner but it prohibits indulgence in carnal pleasure (even with one’s spouse).

Animated sensuality, voluptuousness, in Sikhism, is moral ailment.

Besides, lust is illusion; it leads nowhere; it does not give lasting pleasure or peace of mind.

According to Gurbaani, weakness/ disease of Kaam can be overcome by meditating upon the Name of God:

With cupidity and anger the city (body) is full to brim

By meeting a saint these can be cut into pieces.

(Guru Granth Sahib, p.13)

The man is empowered by cupidity, anger, greed,

He has forgotten the person (being) of God.

(Guru Granth Sahib, p.219)

The cupidity and anger meet the body; like the borax meeting gold.

Nanak says: The poison of cupidity and anger is removed, if dear one graces to grace. (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 943)

Beauty and sex are in friendship;

(it is) same as (there is friendship) between taste and hunger.

Political power, money, beauty, (so-called high) caste and youth; all the five are robbers.

The robbers have robbed world and they cared for none.

(Guru Granth Sahib, p.1288)

The praise of God, (noble) action, faith, honour and worship;

(They) all burn the cupidity and anger in fire.

The evil wisdom, the duality has become deaf and blind.

Her blouse of cupidity and anger is tear-able.

Thus Word kills the five thieves (vices).

The cupidity, the anger, the ego is removed.

(Guru Granth Sahib, p.1345)

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)