Sikhism Further Reading

• Oxford University Press USA

Explore the life of a great spiritual leader―and walk the peaceful path toward God-realization.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born during a period of political and religious turmoil in India in the fifteenth century. Tension between Hindus and Muslims had escalated, leading to greater polarization of the two religions. By establishing Sikhism, Nanak created a synthesis of Hinduism and Islam with the belief that God is One. He advocated a casteless society based on truth, unity and equality.

During his twenty-three years of traveling he taught not only in India but also in Tibet, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and in the area of the present-day countries of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran, preaching the truth as he perceived it and showing humankind the path to salvation. Highlighting his quest for tolerance and compassion, this fascinating biography tells the story of a unique spiritual leader who showed a gentle, peaceful path to realizing God.

Admired, loved and respected even in his lifetime, Guru Nanak continues to command admiration and respect five hundred years after he lived, with his lasting universal message of Absolute Unity more urgent and necessary than ever before.

• Hodder Stoughton

Almost from the moment, some five centuries ago, that their religion was founded in the Punjab by Guru Nanak, Sikhs have enjoyed a distinctive identity. This sense of difference, forged during Sikhism's fierce struggles with the Mughal Empire, is still symbolised by the 'Five Ks' ('panj kakar', in Punjabi), those articles of faith to which all baptised Sikhs subscribe: uncut hair bound in a turban; comb; special undergarment; iron bracelet and dagger (or kirpan) - the unique marks of the Sikh military fraternity (the word Sikh means 'disciple' in Punjabi). Yet for all its ongoing attachment to the religious symbols that have helped set it apart from neighbouring faiths in South Asia, Sikhism amounts to far more than just signs or externals. Now the world's fifth largest religion, with a significant diaspora especially in Britain and North America, this remarkable monotheistic tradition commands the allegiance of 25 million people, and is a global phenomenon. In her balanced appraisal, Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh reviews the history, theology and worship of a community poised between reconciling its hereditary creeds and certainties with the fast-paced pressures of modernity.
She outlines and explains the core Sikh beliefs, and explores the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus in Sikhism's Holy Scriptures, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (more usually called just the 'Granth'). Further chapters explore Sikh ethics, art and architecture, and matters of gender and the place of women in the tradition. The book attractively combines the warm empathy of a Sikh with the objective insights and acute perspectives of a prominent scholar of religion.

• ISBN13: 9780385502061
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This unique and insightful book skillfully combines recent research in the area of Sikh studies to provide an accurate and comprehensive overview of Sikh history and religiosity against the backdrop of other major religious traditions of the world. Considers the Sikhs today, with focused discussion on the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Guru Panth, the Darbar Sahib, and Amritsar. Examines the founding of the Sikh community, the Guru Nanak, the Sikh doctrine, and the guiding ethics of the religion, and delves into the development of the community, including the influences of the Guru Gobind Singh, the establishment of Sikh Kingdom in the Punjab, and Sikhs move into the modern world. Explores Sikh beliefs, practices, family life and festivals, and concludes a thought-provoking chapter on the future of the Sikh religion—meeting spiritual needs away from the Punjab; replanting the Sikh institution in an alien soil, and moving toward a membership of the global community. For readers interested in World Religions.

This brief introduction to Jainism and Sikhism is designed to help readers understand these important religious traditions. With both nuance and balance, this text provides broad coverage of various forms of Jainism and Sikhism with an arresting layout with rich colors. It offers both historical overviews and modern perspectives on Jain and Sikh beliefs and practices. The user-friendly content is enhanced by charts of religious festivals, historic timelines, updated maps, and a useful glossary.

It is ideal for courses on Jainism, Sikhism, and South Asian religions and will be a useful, concise reference for all readers eager to know more about these important religious tradition and their place in our contemporary world.