Guru Nanak And His Times

The compilation carries essays on Guru Nanak and his teachings by eminent scholars.

This Study Is An Examination Of Guru Nanak`S Life And Teachings. It Concludes That Relatively Little Can Be Known About The Details Of His Life And Travels, But That Much Can Understood Of His Personality And His Teachings.

This book encapsulates the exceptionally eventful and vibrant life of the guru that will provoke thought and debate even in today’s times. Guru Gobind Singh – Founder of the Khalsa; saint; warrior par excellence; poignant poet; philosopher; soulful human being – was the illustrious Tenth Guru of the Sikhs. This extensively researched book goes beyond the established events that broadly include the untimely assassination of Guru Teg Bahadur; Guru Gobind Singh’s coronation; the battles of Bhangani and Nadaun; his stay in Paonta and Anandpur; and the historic creation of the Khalsa. The book talks about other events that sought to widely establish the Khalsa including the battle of Nirmohgarh; the siege and evacuation of Anandpur; the battles of Chamkaur, Khidrana and Muktsar; his Zafarnama to Aurangzeb and subsequent meeting with Bahadur Shah Zafar in Agra. Most importantly, it provides some unknown facts about the anointment of the holy book of the Sikhs – the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal guiding light. Guru Gobind Singh’s prowess as a warrior of immense distinction is well-recorded, besides his understanding of military strategy and execution; the book brings to light his love for literature, scriptures and languages, his philosophical, judicious and humane thought, and is a tribute to the great saint and seeks to outline the historical life, times and events of Guru Gobind Singh in intricate details.

Guru Nanak was deeply spiritual from an early age, having being born into a society caught in the throes of orthodoxy and ritualism. The ills of child marriage, infanticide and a rigid caste system had further crippled his people. The outpouring of Nanak’s faith evolved into the universal message of the omnipresence and existence of one God, of true love, equality and compassion, which appealed to Hindus and Muslims alike. Drawing upon the various myths and legends contained in anecdotal biographies and placing them in as precise a historical framework as possible, The Book of Nanak traces the chronology of the main events of Nanak’s life. It sheds new light on Guru Nanak’s message and includes translations of some of his hymns, which continue to inspire people the world over.

‘He who regards all men as equals is religious.’ Insightful, compassionate and benevolent, Guru Nanak Dev was a scholar, teacher, mentor and guide. Both a man of God as well as of the people, he believed that religion was a means of bringing everyone together and upheld the equality of all human beings, whatever their caste, beliefs or gender. Unusually spiritual even as a child, Guru Nanak stood up bravely against the social and religious rituals of the times. He travelled far and wide, in India and beyond, for more than 20 years to spread the message of peace and humanity. His sermons, songs and stories are recorded as hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, the faith he founded. This book brings together the extraordinary life of Guru Nanak and his most important sayings and beliefs. From his steadfast pursuit of truth and equality, and his love for all, you too can learn to be a little bit like Guru Nanak. PLUS: • Flipbook-action page corners • Timeline: A chronology of Guru Nanak’s life • The Japji Sahib • Bonus Quiz: How much do you know about Guru Nanak?