Introduction to Sikhism & Great Sikhs of the World

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Sikhism, the youngest of the world religions, is barely five hundred years old. Its founder, Guru Nanak, was born in 1469. Guru Nanak spread a simple message of "Ek Ong Kar": we are all one, created by the One Creator of all Creation. This was at a time when India was being torn apart by castes, sectarianism, religious factions, and fanaticism. He aligned with no religion, and respected all religions. He expressed the reality that there is one God and many paths, and the Name of God is Truth, "Sat Nam".

This book provides details of many important Sikh personalities, Sikhs who have protected the Khalsa from the onslaught of other beliefs and Sikhs who were and are essential to the existence of Khalsa. Starting from the Guru Nanak dev ji, other Sikh Gurus, the present Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh and the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India Montek Singh Ahluwalia and many other Sikhs who have kept the Khalsa up in high spirits have been discussed in the book. This amount of research and in-depth study combined with explanations in simple language make this book stand out.

Surinder Singh is an eminent journalist. He has been writing regularly for leading magazines.

He has a deep love for Sikhism. He hopes this book will excite the curiosity of readers and lead them to a better understanding of Sikhism. In this book he has provided details of many important Sikh personalities.

This is his first book.

A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. Sikhism primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term aicya, meaning "disciple, student" or cikca, mean- ing "instruction". A Sikh is a disciple of the Guru. According to Article I of the "Rehat Maryada" (the Sikh code of conduct and conventions), a Sikh is defined as "any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being; ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev to Sri Guru Gobind Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib; the teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru; and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion". Sikhs believe in the equality of humankind, the concept of universal brotherhood of man and One Supreme God (Ik Onkar). Sikhs are recognized by their 5 Ks: 1) Kesh, hair; 2) Kara, steel bangle; 3) Kirpan, small sword in a gatra Strap; 4) Kashera, specially designed underpants; and 5) Kanga, comb under turban. These only apply to baptized Sikhs. Sikhs are recognized by their distinctively wrapped turban, uncut hair, beard and moustache, and they are supposed to wear an iron/steel bracelet (kara). Most men have Singh (lion) and women Kaur (princess) as their surname. The greater Punjab region is the historical homeland of the Sikhs, although significant communities exist around the world. The basis of the religion is the union of soul with God. A Sikh disciplines his thoughts and actions so that the five obstacles-lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego-are dispelled and the soul is united with God. Sikhs believe that the cycle of reincarnation is escaped by this union. Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak summed the basis of Sikh lifestyle as: Naam Japo, Kirat Karni and Wand kay Shako, which means meditate on the holy name (Waheguru), work diligently and honestly, and share one's fruits. The guiding princi- ples of the Sikh faith are Truth, Equality, Freedom, Justice, and Karma. The Sikhs revere Sri Guru Granth Sahib as their supreme teacher. The tenth Guru appointed Sri Guru Granth Sahib as the final and eternal Guru of the Sikhs. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is revered by Sikhs as their supreme guide. Non-Sikhs can take part fully in Sikh ceremonies, prayer meetings, and social functions. Their daily prayers include the well-being of all of mankind. Sikhism can be considered one of the more universal religions.

**Contents and Sample Pages**