Sikhisme

The provocative bestseller from Britain's foremost controversial thinker is now in paperback: 'If Hitchens didn't exist, we wouldn't be able to invent him.' Ian McEwan

Five hundred years ago, Guru Nanak founded the Sikh faith in India. The Sikhs defied the caste system; rejected the authority of Hindu priests; forbade magic and idolatry; and promoted the equality of men and women -- beliefs that incurred the wrath of both Hindus and Muslims. In the centuries that followed, three of Nanak's nine successors met violent ends, and his people continued to battle hostile regimes. The conflict has raged into our own time: in 1984 the Golden Temple of Amritsar -- the holy shrine of the Sikhs--was destroyed by the Indian Army. In retaliation, Sikh bodyguards assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.Now, Patwant Singh gives us the compelling story of the Sikhs -- their origins, traditions and beliefs, and more recent history. He shows how a movement based on tenets of compassion and humaneness transformed itself, of necessity, into a community that values bravery and military prowess as well as spirituality. We learn how Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Guru, welded the Sikhs into a brotherhood, with each man bearing the surname Singh, or "Lion," and abiding by a distinctive code of dress and conduct. He tells of Banda the Brave's daring conquests, which sowed the seeds of a Sikh state, and how the enlightened ruler Ranjit Singh fulfilled this promise by founding a Sikh empire.The author examines how, through the centuries, the Sikh soldier became an exemplar of discipline and courage and explains how Sikhs -- now numbering nearly 20 million worldwide -- have come to be known for their commitment to education, their business acumen, and their enterprising spirit. Finally, Singh concludes that it would be a grave error to alienate an energetic and vital community like the Sikhs if modern India is to realize its full potential. He urges India's leaders to learn from the past and to "honour the social contract with Indians of every background and persuasion."

Zafarnama, or "Epistle of Victory," is a remarkable work of Persian literature written by the renowned Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Originally written in Persian, Zafarnama is a poetic letter addressed to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, written in the aftermath of a fierce battle between the Sikhs and the Mughals.In this powerful letter, Guru Gobind Singh passionately defends the principles of justice, equality, and religious freedom, and chastises Aurangzeb for his brutal treatment of the Sikh community. Through vivid and emotive language, the Guru makes a compelling case for the righteousness of the Sikh cause and the unjustness of Aurangzeb's actions.This English translation of Zafarnama provides readers with a rare glimpse into the mind of one of India's most revered spiritual leaders. It is a work that speaks not only to the Sikh community but to all those who value the principles of justice, tolerance, and compassion. With its stirring poetry and compelling message, Zafarnama is a literary treasure that has inspired generations of readers and continues to resonate with readers today.

This is the exquisite English commentary on the fifth prayer recited daily by Sikhs as part of their Nitnem, known as Sri Anand Sahib. While numerous commentaries exist for this prayer, this particular rendition stands as a unique gem. It is distinguished by the fact that it was meticulously crafted by the venerable 12th leader of the Damdami Taksal, Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. In his commentary, Sant Ji embarks on a profound journey into the inherent meanings of the prayer, unveiling previously unexplored depths of insight. Revered as the preeminent intellectual figure of the Sikh faith during the 20th century, Sant Ji's teachings have left an indelible mark. His legacy endures, as countless individuals continue to draw upon his commentary as the foundational cornerstone for their own spiritual exploration and understanding.

The literary work entitled "Shafer-E-Shahadat: The Journey of Shahadat" intricately unfolds the poignant narrative of the Safar-E-Shahadat movement, extending a compelling invitation to the reader to traverse the indelible days of December. Within its pages, the book meticulously recounts the unfolding of historical events wherein the formidable force of love and selfless sacrifice emerged triumphant against the shackles of tyranny.Immersing the reader in a vivid tapestry of emotions, the narrative chronicles the journey of revered figures such as Baba Ajit Singh Ji, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, alongside the revered presence of Mata Gujri Ji. Their collective saga becomes an awe-inspiring tale of unyielding courage, revolutionary spirit, and unparalleled sacrifice, etching a remarkable chapter in the annals of human history.The resonance of their steadfast determination echoes through the narrative, painting a portrait of resilience and defiance against oppression. The author skillfully captures the essence of these historical figures' unwavering commitment to justice, freedom, and the greater good. As the pages unfold, the reader is transported into the heart of a movement where the power of conviction and sacrifice stands as an enduring testament to the triumph of the human spirit.In its entirety, "Shafer-E-Shahadat: The Journey of Shahadat" serves as a literary vessel, allowing readers to not merely observe but to immerse themselves in the profound significance of the Safar-E-Shahadat movement. Through eloquent prose and meticulous storytelling, the book invites us to contemplate the timeless ideals of courage, revolution, and sacrifice, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness and underscoring the enduring power of human resilience in the face of adversity.

Guru Nanak Dev founded the Sikh Faith and was succeeded by Nine Sikh Gurus. His birth is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Pooranmashi, the full-moon day in the Indian month of Katak [Kartik in Hindi], October-November every year.Guru Nanak travelled far and wide spreading the message of an uncompromising Monotheism grounded in One [Peerless] God who dwells in the hearts of all creatures and has Truth as His Primal Attribute. He established a unique holistic faith of spiritual, social, and political realities based on equality, love, justice, peace, and virtue. His Revelation [I have named Creative Mysticism in my second PhD] is preserved in 974 shabads [hymns] in the sacred scripture of the Sikh Faith, Sri Guru Granth Sahib [SGGS]. The Sikh Bible contains, among many things, his major prayers such as Japuji, Asa di Var, and Siddha-Gosht. An inviolable tenet of the Sikh Faith is that the soul of Guru Nanak's sacrosanctity, divinity, and religious authority was infused into each of his nine successors when they were admitted to his Spiritual Ministry.The genesis, growth, worth, and perennial relevance of the Sikh Faith began with the birth of the founder Guru Nanak Dev in 1469 CE to the death of Guru Gobind Singh in 1708 CE. This period coincided with the establishment and consolidation of the Mughal Empire in India. The Mughal rulers followed the policy of oppression and persecution that the Sikh Gurus fiercely opposed and even sacrificed their lives to uphold the fundamental human rights grounded in the recognition of the intrinsic goodness and dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family such as equality before law, freedom of speech and expression, freedom to practise religion, and freedom to seek justice through peaceful and legal means.

Sikhs have been part of the Manchester community since the 1950s, integrating into the diverse religious and cultural fabric of the city. They have grown into a significant faith community, with five Sikh temples. However, despite their contributions, their achievements and history remain largely undocumented. This concise account captures my firsthand experience of the past seventy years. While it serves as an informative record, its primary goal is to chronicle the events and facts surrounding their journey. I hope this account will prove valuable to readers and the descendants of their ancestors.

What is the Sikh view of death? What does the Sikh view of death and dying tell us about the core beliefs, teachings and ethics of the faith? The answers lie within this book by Mina Singh, author of Ceremonies of the Sikh Wedding. In this book readers will find an understanding of the fundamentals of the faith preached by Guru Nanak, and by the light of these they will be prompted to reconsider their own perspective on death and also on life. They can wisely prepare themselves for the moment of dying and encourage others to do the same.This book opens readers to novel truths and insights embedded deep within the poetry and mysticism of the Sikh scripture, the Granth Sahib. Readers will also find this book helpful in understanding the funeral rites of the Sikhs and finding consolation after the death of someone whose loss they find difficult to bear.Ranging from right conduct to mystical devotion, the Sikh perspective outlined in this book will encourage readers, who are adherents of other religions, to reflect on their own beliefs. Page upon page of the Sikh holy book records the understanding of Nanak, Kabir, Farid, and others, of the true value of human life, which is grasped through an acceptance of its transience.As both the teachings of the ten Gurus and the events of history following the death of Guru Nanak have been important in shaping Sikhism, this book also deals with the influence on Sikhism of various streams, within Hinduism and Islam. A comparison with the views of these two faiths, and a positive look at death in martyrdom, are other contributions made by this book for the benefit of all.

"My First Gurmukhi Alphabets" - a beautifully illustrated and colorful Penti Akhri book for children of all ages! This book is the perfect tool to help children learn the Gurmukhi alphabets, while also teaching them unique and beautiful vocabulary from Gurbani. Each page has 4 different words from Gurbani. Each alphabet is accompanied by an illustration and a short Punjabi rhyme that reinforces important Sikh values. Whether you're reading together with your child or they're reading on their own, this book is sure to be a fun and engaging way to learn about Gurmukhi and Gurbani.

This is the forty-first chapter from the fifth Rut that is being published here into an English vernacular. What is the relevance of this chapter and why is this the commencement of the pure knowledge within the text? These ten chapters are a series of questions and answers between Bh¿¿ Day¿ Singh J¿ and the Sikhs on topics foundwithin Ved¿nt and Yog. This first chapter is based on the Karams. What are the karams? The Karams are the actions of cause and effect and the different types that induce good and bad merit to a person. This topic covers the different types, their differences and where they are stored. The subject matter is very difficult to comprehend so I have tried to simplify the language and the content from the commentary by Gi¿n¿ Harbhajan Singh J¿ when he expounds the text. This is so that the knowledge can be grasped easier to those that wishto learn and can provide points of further investigation and learning if the seeker desires.

This small book is an edited translation from a book called the'Parbodh Chandar N¿tak' written by Pandit Gul¿b Singh Nirmal¿.This book comprises of a translation of the commentary to this text byanother great Nirmal¿ scholar, Pandit Narain Singh L¿hore Mujang¿W¿le. The details of the text are explained following this preface butin essence this is an allegorical play focusing on the various virtuesand how an individual gravitates towards the oneness with God andstrays from sinful acts. Although this book only covers the secondchapter there is a lot of information to digest which will assist inunderstanding the struggles of the individual on a daily routine.I have written this book in an attempt for people to understand theknowledge from the great meta-physics discussed within the text. But,the real reason for writing this text is in order to try and revive theinterest in old Nirmal¿ authored texts into Ved¿nt which due to greatignorance are now ignored and no longer studied. Those who areignorant to the old texts do so due to lacking knowledge, a fear ofVed¿nt considering it to be anti-Sikh or discrimination due to seeingthat the author uses the title of 'Pandit'. I hope people give this book achance and realise the knowledge contained within is worth their timeand gain an understanding on the principals being taught by theancient masters.

There are very few books on Sikh religion in Hindi literature. Hence, this book becomes more important. The book deals with the range of doubts (or questions) on Sikh History or theology, raised by various sections of intellectuals in recent times. Like- Why do all the Sikh Gurus come from Khatri caste, but not from the oppressed caste? Author has dared to take such sensitive questions head-on and call them enslaving doubts. He finds them as distraction from the real question of the way for human sovereignty. The reasoning is given in four ways, and they form the four sections of the book: Ideological Aspect, Societal & Cultural Aspect, Historical Aspect, And Their Aspect. 'And Their Aspect' (Aur Unka Paksh) deals with the critical analysis of the writings of Prof Ronki Ram, Dr. Dharamveer, and touches upon other Dalit activists like Babu Mangu Ram Magowalia. Author has done detailed analysis on the political and ideological reasons for Dr B.R. Ambedkar initiating into Navyaan Buddhism.The book is one of the unique efforts of critical analysis on Dalit intellectualism through the touchstone of Gurbani, and hence open new avenues for Dalit activism.

This publication is an edited English commentary to the text known as the 'Pr¿ch¿n Panth Park¿sh'. This text is an early historical text into the tales of the Sikhs which was dictated to the British by Bh¿¿ Rattan Singh Bhang¿. The text predominantly deals with the various wars involving the Sikhs following the lives of the ten Gur¿'s. However, this third part to the text covers the details of the battles faced by Sr¿ Gur¿ Gobind Singh J¿ and the martyrdoms of the S¿hibz¿d¿s. This text is a translation of the commentary provided by Ak¿l¿ B¿b¿ Sant¿ Singh Nihang of the Buddh¿ Dal. The reason for creating this translation is twofold: The first is to provide an English translation linked to the warrior sect of Sikhism known as the Nihangs. The Nihangs have a colourful history and added so much to the Kh¿ls¿ order however, there is a lack of literature produced by the order. The second is to bring you a different perspective in English. There are currently two English translations of this text by Kulwant Singh and Gurtej Singh but both of them are basic whilst this is a translation of a commentary where further details are given by the Saint-Soldier. Providing information and comments you will not find anywhere else. Although I must say after reading through the initial text the commentary given by B¿b¿ Sant¿ Singh does not always follow the lines being quoted in the original text it is still a very interesting read. I can personally say that I have been impressed with the amount that I have learned through this commentary both about the schism of the Nihangs and Sikh history.

This little book contains select poems from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib as well as the writings of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

On the land of Punjab, There were lot of events have happened. Which are stilling happening in different forms. Few people are leaving the Punjab and migrating somewhere else in the world. And few are tiring to add termites in roots of this land. The water of this land is almost comes to the point of extinct. No one is caring about decreasing population of the bird's species. It is encircled by various dangerous powers. and lot of unknown faces are adding the poison in minds and hearts of the people who live here. Troubles are hanging in every direction for centuries. But this land always gives the birth to the people who face these difficulties by not loosing hope. Worriers are again ready to face the hidden attacks, without taking care of their lives for this land.This book is a story of these courageous people, who are still fighting with unknown double faced enemies.About the Author: Amanjit Singh Brar was born and raised in Punjab, India. Punjab, the land of five rivers. He loves the field of agriculture. He is writing a book for first time. Before that he is a filmmaker. He has directed two Punjabi films. Both films cover the life of real Punjab in a surreal way. In his films he tried to project the suffering of Punjab these days. Even in this book he wrote the story of Punjab. He believes that films and stories paly major role to project and save the culture of civilizations. According to him books are always better than films. Because films are always created to generate money. And business always tries to manipulate reality according to the viewers and buyers. He has worked in the field of advertising industry as a Designer and Photographer. For him telling stories is the purest form of work, just like agriculture is a purest form of work. Aman Brar does not have much hobbies. Because his every hobby is merged into his profession of storytelling. Like after ploughing the ground and soil. We sow seeds and then water them for months. During this period, we save the crop from every danger, that can be possible at any stage. We add fertilizers to help the crop to grow. After months when crop is ready for cultivation, we cut the crop and preserve it. One day we serve it to the people. And let them decide that if it good for health and helps people to grow physically and intellectually. That is why Aman Brar loves agriculture and storytelling. Both are important for Dharma and Karma.

This book is the third part of a series of books that will focus on anEnglish translation of the text known as the Sr¿ N¿nak Park¿sh thatwas written by Bh¿¿ Santokh Singh J¿.The Sr¿ N¿nak Park¿sh is a hagiographic account portraying the lifeof Sr¿ Gur¿ N¿nak Dev J¿ through a poetical measure. This text wascreated by the great poet, Kav¿ Santokh Singh J¿ in order for Sikhs tofocus on the correct historical stories of the Gur¿ when there weremany accounts that had been tampered. The distortion of earlierhistorical accounts led to Kav¿ Santokh Singh J¿ creating this text sothat Sikhs would have knowledge about the founder of their faith.Through these stories' individuals can also gain knowledge on greatphilosophical and metaphysical teachings.I have written this book so that the Sikh community who are unableto understand the Punj¿b¿ vernacular are able to grasp the great life ofSr¿ Gur¿ N¿nak Dev J¿. I am surprised that so far, the many Sikhscholars have not attempted to bring such a work to the community. Itis with the grace of the intellectuals that I have been able tocommence such a project. This commentary was originally uttered byGi¿n¿ Harbhajan Singh Dhudhikay (Vidy¿rth¿ Sampard¿i Bhindr¿).