The greedy people serve others instead of the Lord, Even though they loudly announce their reading of scriptures. They are burnt to death by their own corruption; they are not at home, on either this shore or the one beyond. In attachment to materialistic things, they have forgotten the Father, the Cherisher of the World. Without the Guru, all are unconscious; they are held in bondage by Death.
(Guru Granth Sahib, 30)
Engrossed in egotism, the world perishes. Without the Guru, there is utter darkness. In emotional attachment to Maya, they have forgotten the Great Giver, the Giver of Peace.
(Guru Granth Sahib, 34)
The waves of greed rise within him, and he does not remember God. He does not join the Company of the Holy, and he suffers in terrible pain through countless incarnations.
(Guru Granth Sahib, 77)
The love of Maya has displaced mortal’s understanding; making mistakes he lives in regret. But if the mortal meets the True Guru, he obtains the essence of reality.
(Guru Granth Sahib, 116)
Cruelty, material attachment, greed and anger are the four rivers of fire. Nanak says, falling into them, one is burned. One is saved only by holding tight to good deeds.
(Guru Granth Sahib, 147)
It torments us with the expression of pleasure and pain. It torments us through incarnations in heaven and hell. It is seen to afflict the rich, the poor and the glorious. The source of this illness which torments us is greed. Maya torments us in so many ways. But the Saints live under Your Protection, God. It torments us through intoxication with intellectual pride. It torments us through the love of children and spouse. It torments us through possessions and beautiful clothes. It torments us through the intoxication of wine and the beauty of youth. It torments landlords, paupers and lovers of pleasure. It torments us through the sweet sounds of music and parties. It torments us through beautiful beds, palaces and decorations. It torments us through the darkness of the five evil passions. It torments those who act, entangled in ego. It torments us through household affairs, and it torments us in renunciation. It torments us through character, lifestyle and social status. It torments us through everything, except for those who are imbued with the Love of the Lord. The Sovereign Lord King has cut away the bonds of His Saints. How can Maya torment them? Says Nanak, Maya does not draw near those who have obtained the dust of the feet of the Saints.
(Guru Granth Sahib, 182)
I have seen the world being destroyed by greed and egotism. Only by serving the Guru, God is obtained, and the true gate of salvation is found.
(Guru Granth Sahib, 228)
