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In one of Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb’s enlightening Satsangs, he spoke about the five vices—lust (kaam), anger (krodh), greed (lobh), attachment (moh), and ego (ahankar)—and offered a unique perspective by comparing them to dogs.

Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty. They protect their masters fearlessly, even at the cost of their own lives. They never allow strangers near their owners and are regarded as trustworthy companions. Their intelligence and keen senses, especially their powerful sense of smell, make them valuable in security forces, where they are trained for various tasks, from tracking criminals to detecting hidden objects. A responsible owner nurtures and disciplines their dog—feeding it properly, ensuring it gets fresh air and exercise, and providing medical care like vaccinations. A well-cared-for dog remains a faithful and protective companion.

However, if a dog is neglected or mistreated, it can become aggressive and unpredictable, posing a danger even to its owner. It may attack without warning, and in some cases, its bites can be fatal. Sai Sadhram Saheb used this analogy to explain that the five vices within human beings must also be carefully managed. If left unchecked, they can take control of a person’s life, leading them astray, fostering instability, and ultimately causing destruction. But when disciplined and channeled correctly, these very same vices can serve a meaningful purpose.

To illustrate this, Saijan shared a compelling story about a thief who was sentenced to death. Before his execution, he requested permission to speak with his mother. When allowed, he approached her and suddenly bit her ear, shocking everyone present. When asked about his actions, the thief explained that his mother was responsible for his downfall. As a child, he had started stealing small things, but instead of correcting him, his mother encouraged his wrongdoings. Blinded by attachment (moh), she never disciplined him, taking pride in his mischief instead. Over time, his petty thefts turned into serious crimes, ultimately leading to his execution. Had his mother used constructive anger (krodh) to correct him when he was young, his life could have taken a different course.

Sai Sadhram Saheb emphasized that anger, greed, attachment, ego, and lust are not inherently bad—what matters is how they are controlled and directed. Just as a well-trained dog remains a loyal companion, these vices—when kept in check—can serve a higher purpose. The key is balance. When wisely controlled, they become tools for growth; when left unchecked, they lead to destruction.

Sacho Satram.

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