The Sikh Gurus And Their Hymns

The vision of Guru Nanak, the fifteenth-century founder of the Sikh faith, celebrated the oneness of the Divine that both dwells within and transcends the endless diversity of life. Guru Nanak's immaculate vision inspired the rich and inclusive philosophy of Sikhism, which is reflected in this exquisite and highly acclaimed translation of poems from the religion's most sacred texts: the Guru Granth Sahib, the principal sacred text of the Sikh religion, which consists of poems and hymns by Guru Nanak, his successors and Hindu and Islamic saints; and the Dasam Granth, a collection of devotional verses composed by the tenth Sikh Guru. Poetry from these highly revered texts is heard daily and at rites of passage and celebration in Sikh homes and gurudwaras, carrying forward the Sikh belief in the oneness and equality of all humanity.

The Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak (1469–1539), who drew upon the teachings of Muslim, Sufis and Hindu Bhaktas. In its purest form Sikhism is about unity, simplicity, equality and surrender (to God), and the verses of the Sikh Gurus—most of them included in the Granth Sahib—articulate this beautifully. This elegantly illustrated edition contains a selection of verses from the Guru Granth Sahib and other sacred texts like Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Vairagmayi Bani and the Dasam Granth of Guru Gobind Singh. Brilliantly translated by Khushwant Singh, these moving mystical hymns retain the immediacy and the lyricism of the originals. In addition, vibrant and imaginative illustrations by Arpana Caur, one of India’s most celebrated artists, make this a collection to treasure.

There Is One God. He Is The Supreme Truth.' This Is The Central Belief, The Mool Mantra, Of The Sikh Religion, Founded In Punjab By Guru Nanak (1469-1539), Who Drew Upon The Teachings Of Muslim Sufis And Hindu Bhaktas. The Common Basic Factor Of The Sikh Community Is Belief In The Ten Gurus And The Authorized Version Of The Guru Granth Sahib, The Holy Scripture. In Its Purest Form, Sikhism Is About Unity, Simplicity, Equality And Surrender (To God), And The Verses Of The Gurus--Most Of Them Included In The Granth Sahib--Articulate This Beautifully. This Volume Contains A Selection Of Verses By Seven Of The Ten Gurus, Culled From The Guru Granth Sahib And Other Sacred Texts Like Guru Tegh Bahadur'S Vairagmayi Bani And The Dasam Granth Of Guru Gobind Singh. The Hymns Of The Sikh Gurus Constitute Some Of The Most Moving Mystical Poetry Ever Composed, And The Brilliant Translations By Khushwant Singh, A Leading Scholar Of Sikh History And Culture And Best-Selling Author, Retain The Immediacy And Lyricism Of The Originals.

Recognized masterpieces of Indian literature, the Guru Granth Sahib and the Dasam Granth are fundamental to the Sikh religion, not only in the physical layout of temples and in ceremonies of worship, but as infallible reference texts offering counsel and instruction. Teachings of the Sikh Gurus presents a brand new selection of key passages from these sacred scriptures, translated into modern English by leading experts, Christopher Shackle and Arvind-pal Singh Mandair. Including six longer compositions and many shorter hymns thematically organised by topics such as Time and Impermanence, Self and Mind, Authority, and Ethics, the book’s accessible and carefully chosen extracts distil the essence of Sikhism’s remarkable textual and intellectual legacy, depicting how its message of universal tolerance suits the contemporary world. The detailed introduction and notes to the translations aid readers’ comprehension of the hymns’ form and content, as well as providing some historical context, making it an ideal introduction to Sikh literature.