Product Description
This in-depth study explores the history and philosophy of India's major religions, explaining clearly the development of Buddhism, Yoga, and Hinduism over the centuries. A complete glossary of terms is included, as well as an index and suggestions for further reading. ... Read more

Product Description
This work introduces places of worship found around the world. The books explain the general features of the buildings and look at how and why the building is used by the community. Examples from around the world are featured from famous buildings to smaller everyday buildings. It includes case studies from around the world looking at how people worship in the relevant building, and features a wide range of stunning photographs depicting the buildings, key objects and worshippers. It contains a world map showing areas in which the religion is practised. ... Read more

Product Description
A study of the emerging cultural understanding and political stratagems of the Sikhs as a typical transnational group, this volume explores the new deterriorialized concepts of "culture" and "diaspora." ... Read more

Product Description
The Sikhs is a photographic study of the religious practices ofcontemporary Sikh people in Delhi and the Punjab region of northern India.Sixty-six photographs comprise the 'visual text' for this contribution to theIconography of Religions series. They depict traditional sites and places ofworship, major festivals, rites of the life cycle, symbols of Khalsamembership and artistic representations of great martyrs and the Sikhspiritual masters. The photographic subjects are documented in a catalogue ofillustrations, and information needed to appreciate their historicalbackground and current significance is provided in an introductory essay. Theaim is to present, in terms acceptable to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike,characteristic aspects of present-day Sikh religious life. Thisphenomenological approach is organized along patterns provided by Sikhconcepts, and so far as possible it places emphasis on positive points ofcontact between proponents of Sikh faith and practitioners of modern criticalscholarship. ... Read more

Product Description
Territory: After five hundred years and with twenty million followers, Sikhism is unable to lay claim to an inch of this planet and call it its own. Faith: Sikhism is not a creed but a sect, a religious cult and an instrument for aligning the organisation of our social functions. we conduct them with the help of our holy book. Disaster: In June 1984, the Sikhs' most sacred shrine, the Golden Temple at Amritsar, was the scene of an armed stand-off between Sikhs and the State that ended in bloodshed. In October the same year, the Indian prime minister, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by her trusted Sikh bodyguards. Lawlessness hit the Panjab, and by the time Indian Government troops had restored order, thousands lay dead, women had been widowed, killed or raped, and children found themselves orphaned. Johan Rohi's detailed and at times shocking expose of the history and practices of Sikhism reveals a cult in crisis. For every ten true believers, there are a thousand gullible sheep feeding on the words of a grasping clergy. Yet Sikhs have no leader and no homeland. What is the function of religion in their collective psyche and aspirations? What part does extremism play? Why the insistence on symbols and carrying arms? At a broader level, the author touches on the issue of any religion having a role in our increasingly materialistic and secular global community. ... Read more

Product Description
The books in the "Keystones" series use the device of children exploring different places of worship to gain an insight into the beliefs and practices of the major world religions. The books include practical advice for teachers and notes on how to set up visits to local places of worship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sikh Gurdwara (Places of Worship
This book contains correct information on Gurdwara. It is very useful for teachers/children and for those people who know little about Sikhism, There are not many books on the subject. Highly recommended. I use it myself to teach young Sikhs. ... Read more

Product Description
This book tells the story of the disintegration of the Sikh kindgom after the death of Maharaja Ramjit Singh. It is a sordid tale of court intrigues and treachery, encouraged by the British who eagerly awaited the oppurtunity to annex the last independent Indian state and extend their empire beyond the Indus. It also tells of the heroism and valour of the common Punjabi soldiers who fought to the last but never turned their backs to the enemt to flee to safety. ... Read more

Product Description
The first to appear in Curzon's well respected 'Popular Dictionary' series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Introduction to Sikhism
This dictionary contains most of the terms that are related to Sikhism. Although not really an introductory course, by reading the definitions of so many words in the Sikh vocabulary, one gets an idea of what the religionis all about, including its relation to Islam and Hinduism, the two relatedfaiths of India. The book lists the major figures in Sikhism, an outline ofthe history of the religion, a list of the sacred books, theology and ageneral overview of the philosophy, both in the introduction and in thedefinitions itself. A great aid for those interested in the faith. ... Read more

Product Description
The Sikhs, a colorful and controversial people about whom little is generally known, have been the subject of much hypothetical speculation. Their non-conformist behavior, except to their own traditions, and their fierce independence, even to demanding autonomy, have recently attracted world-wide attention. Hew McLeod, internationally known scholar of Sikh studies, provides a just and accurate description in his introducion to this religious community from northern India now numbering about sixteen million people, exploring their history, doctrine, and literature. begins by giving an overview of the people's history, then covers the origins of the Sikh tradition, dwelling on controversies surrounding the life and doctrine of the first Master, Guru Nanak (1469-1539). The book surveys the subsequent life of the community with emphasis on the founding of the Khalsa, the order that gives to Sikhs the insignia by which they are best known. The remaining sections concern Sikh doctrine, the problem of who should be regarded as a Sikh, and a survey of Sikh literature. Finally, the book considers the present life of the community -its dispersion around the world to Asia, Australasia, North America, Africa, and Europe, and its involvement in the current trials of the Punjab. Sikh culture is believed to have been settled and unchanging from the time of the Gurus onwards., a major new work by a leading authority, reveals that this is a very misleading view. McLeod treats a variety of questions sympathetically and in so doing he establishes a new understanding for students of religion and for all those interested in current events in India. ... Read more

Product Description
Presenting authoritative and powerful selections of hymns and prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib--the principal sacred texts of the Sikhs. In English for the first time, this easily accessible, gender neutral translation reflects the rich and inclusive tone of this heretofore esoteric Sikh literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful and poetic translation
This is a beautiful translation that flows like poetry for the english-speaking person.Here's also one for us girls!

At first I wasn't sure about the sound of the translation, but when became familiar with the rhythm and style of writing, the flow and beauty blossomed to me.

It is brilliant to have a gender-neutral translation to read!I find myself becoming absorbed in the meaning of the hymns without constantly being bothered by masculine terms like "Lord", "Him" and "His".I believe Nikky Guninder Kaur Singh has achieved her goal of bringing what is usually translated with very culture-specific idioms to the Western reader in a very prayer-friendly way.It does not stop mid-sentence to explain what a particular word or phrase means and why it has been used thus breaking the meditative reading as other translations do.

I can only hope one day for this translation to be made into a beautiful sundar gutka (small prayer book).

The book contains the following hymns:Japji, Shabad Hazare, Jaap, Savayye, Rehiras including Chaupai Benati, Kirtan Sohila, Lavan, Barah Maha, Shaloks of the Ninth Guru and Sukhmani (yes, the entire Sukhmani!).Also contains Ardas.

I would highly recommend this book to any Westerner or english-speaking person trying to find sweet-sounding Sikh hymns in English!

Here is a sample of translation style:

Shaloks of the Ninth Guru (Sri Guru Granth Sahib p. 1426):
Unless we sing divine praise
our life passes in vain;
Says Nanak, love the Divine, my mind,
as a fish loves water.

Why are we caught in worldly delights?
Why can't we be free for a moment?
Says Nanak, love the Divine, my mind;
be saved from the snare of death.

And a piece of Sukhmani (Sri Guru Granth Sahib p. 262):
Remember, Remember the One whose remembrance brings peace
And dispels pain and sorrow from the body.
Remember the One who alone upholds the universe,
Whose Name is contemplated by millions.
The auspicious words of all Vedas, Puranas and Smritis
Arise from the single Word of the divine Name.
They who possess even one jot of Your Name
Are great beyond telling.
They who yearn only for a vision of You,
Says Nanak, I seek liberation in their company.

Compare if you will to the high-quality but gender specific translation of the same passage supplied by [...]
Meditate, meditate, meditate in remembrance of Him, and find peace.
Worry and anguish shall be dispelled from your body.
Remember in praise the One who pervades the whole Universe.
His Name is chanted by countless people, in so many ways.
The Vedas, the Puraanas and the Simritees, the purest of utterances,
were created from the One Word of the Name of the Lord.
That one, in whose soul the One Lord dwells -
the praises of his glory cannot be recounted.
Those who yearn only for the blessing of Your Darshan -
Nanak: save me along with them! ||1||

Thank you for reading my review.I hope it has been helpful to you. ... Read more

Product Description
Introduces Sikh festivals through quotations from children talking about their religious lives as well as through information boxes and extracts from sacred texts. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume presents translations of all major Persian sources of Sikh history up to 1765, when Sikh power was established over the Punjab. The sources offer details that are not otherwise available, and richly supplement the information preserved in the Punjabi (Gurmukhi) traditions. Most of the Persian texts translated here have not been available in English until now. ... Read more

Product Description
An introduction to Sikhism which focuses on the holy sites of the religion. ... Read more

Product Description
Abū Hamīd bin Abū Bakr Ibrāhīm (Persian: ابو حمید ابن ابوبکر ابراهیم) (born 1145-46 in Nishapur Iran – died c. 1221), much better known by his pen-names Farīd ud-Dīn (فریدالدین) and ‘Attār (عطار - the pharmacist), was a Persian Muslim poet, theoretician of Sufism, and hagiographer from Nīshāpūr who left an everlasting influence on Persian poetry and Sufism.

The thought-world depicted in `Attar's works reflects the whole evolution of the Sufi movement. The starting point is the idea that the body-bound soul's awaited release and return to its source in the other world can be experienced during the present life in mystic union attainable through inward purification.[5] In explaining his thoughts, 'Attar uses material not only from specifically Sufi sources but also from older ascetic legacies. Although his heroes are for the most part Sufis and ascetics, he also introduces stories from historical chronicles, collections of anecdotes, and all types of high-esteemed literature.[1] His talent for perception of deeper meanings behind outward appearances enables him to turn details of everyday life into illustrations of his thoughts. The idiosyncrasy of `Attar's presentations invalidates his works as sources for study of the historical persons whom he introduces. As sources on the hagiology and phenomenology of Sufism, however, his works have immense value.

Judging from `Attar's writings, he viewed the ancient Aristotelian heritage with skepticism and dislike.[6][7] Interestingly, he did not want to uncover the secrets of nature. This is particularly remarkable in the case of medicine, which fell within the scope of his profession. He obviously had no motive for showing off his secular knowledge in the manner customary among court panegyrists, whose type of poetry he despised and never practiced. Such knowledge is only brought into his works in contexts where the theme of a story touches on a branch of natural science. - Wikipedia ... Read more

Product Description
This important study looks at the genesis, development, and contemporary status of the Adi Granth as Sikh scripture. It offers a new perspective on the general notion of canon, its formation, its relationship with a religious community, and the processes through which the community appropriates and interprets it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An Investigation of the Adi Granth
Pashaura Singh has contributed a high quality academic treatise on the formation of the Guru Granth Sahib, otherwise known as the Adi Granth or the "Sikh Bible." As I am not an expert in Sikh studies I cannot fully comment on the magnitude of his contribution, but I can say it appears as a thoroughly researched and well-thought out investigation of the Adi Granth which should have lasting value.Its primary audience is undoubtedly academic, and it is probably most accessible to those at the graduate level or above.For that audience it will no doubt rate 5 stars for the vigor and depth with which it reviews the evolution of the three major edition of the Sikh Bible (which became finalized as the Adi Granth we know through the efforts of Arjan Dev, Guru Gobind Singh, and finally Maharaja Ranjit Singh ¬-- as the author argumentatively makes clear).It not an easy read, but it is a quality book.For those not immersed in the study of Sikhism, or who are at an undergraduate college level or below, this will not be an easily accessible work, and it might be advisable to find a more elementary introduction before you tackle this work.

Simply Ridiculous Book
This book is far from the truth in the viewpoint of history and compilation of Guru Granth Sahib. Pashaura Singh's thesis is based on the notion that Guru Granth Sahib is the final version of the draft MS1245. Ironically, this draft has date of demise of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th master who wrote the Guru Granth Sahib) at the end. The author also did not establish the validity and authenticity of the text before forming his opinions. "Planned Attacks on Aad Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji" is the rebuttal to his book in which about 30 scholars have very well proved him wrong. MS 1245 has many fallacies and grammatical errors in Gurbani and is not considered an early draft of Guru Granth Sahib by Sikh scholars. Pashura Singh simply turned out to be Mcleod's puppet in distorting facts and attacking the core of Sikh beliefs without any credible evidence. Rebuttal to his book can be read on Global Sikh Studies website or go to
[...]

Sikhs Must Learn to Encourage Critical Scholarship
Pashaura Singh, along with several other scholars of Sikh studies - including W.H. McLeod, Harjot Oberoi, and Gurinder Singh Mann - has been the recipient of much unfair criticism for authoring scholarship that dares to run counter to Sikh tradition.

Sikhs desperately need to realize that scholarship is of little value unless it is free to disagree with tradition.

The hostility with which scholars of Sikh studies have been greeted every time they deviate from tradition threatens to repel scholars of repute from the area of Sikh studies. Sadly, such a trend is already visible today.

Criticism of scholars must be aimed at assessing rather than silencing.

This book is based on Pashaura Singh's Ph.D. thesis, completed at the University of Toronto under the direction of W. Hew McLeod.

The thesis generated some controversy and, it would appear, was subsequently disappeared from the University of Toronto library.

Although the library's computer system confirms the volume as being available, The Sikh Times has been unable to locate the thesis at the library in order to verify claims that the book omits several of the thesis's controversial sections.

Pashaura Singh has declined requests for a copy of the original thesis. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume One (revised and enlarged 5th edition) was released to the public on Swami Vivekananda's birthday in January 1980. Within the short period of two years, Volume Two in which the story of Swamiji's life and activities in India and abroad is continued was published. Volume Two contains a Glossary, a Bibliography, an Index, and a few illustrations, which enhance the usefulness of the book. These two volumes have been received with warmth by the admirers, followers, and students of Swamiji. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not That excited, I looked for
i think, it just gives the preview that where and when he lived his life, i expected more how he lived his life..not where and when..well..still it wasnt that bad.

A book of Inspiration
A fascinating journey into the life of the most charismatic, dynamic and inspirational spiritual leader produced by the world in the last century. Extremely well-written with a number of insightful anecdotes. Swamiji's life is an inspiration to the youth of today and this bookcertainly generates a deep reverence and awe for this great persona. ... Read more

Product Description

This book examines the growth of a nationalist sentiment among the Sikh community in the Punjab. Drawing on a wide range of resources, Deol explores the reasons behind the rise in Sikh militancy over the 1970s and 1980s.