Understanding Japji Sahib

This book presents interpretation of Jap-u, reverently called Japji Sahib, the first composition in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It is in two parts, the first containing short essays on the main themes and the second stanza-wise interpretation with original Punjabi and English transliteration. The book brings out the principles of a spirituality based practical life. It brings out need for ethical living with faith in God.

A step-by-step exploration of the sacred poem, Japji Sahib, composed by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru.

The Japji is by far the best-known work of Guru Nanak (1469-1539) - poet, philosopher, historian, composer, First Sikh Guru and founder of the Sikh faith. Many Sikhs recite its sacred verses daily. Its title derives from the root "jap-" meaning to recite or chant. Dr. Rupinder Singh Brar provides in this book a compelling new translation with commentary. This book also examines its core concepts, and presents the Japji as a condensed summary of Guru Nanak's philosophy. This translation and commentary is published to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak's birth (1469-2019).

Sikhism is the youngest of the major world religions and the most modern and egalitarian in its practice. The scriptural authority for its followers is the 'Gurbani' in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Japji Sahib is the quintessential 'bani' and the key to the philosophy expounded by the Gurus. Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib: Way to God in Sikhism by Maneshwar S. Chahal is a unique presentation in that, before offering well-reasoned conclusions, it puts forth many a point of view and not just any single interpretation of the verses. It will help the lay reader to easily understand the Guru's message and offer the scholar ready material for deeper study of this vast subject. At the beginning of the book has been added the text of the verses of Japji in Roman script, as also in 'Gurmukhi' for those who would want to also experience the joy of chanting the 'bani

This is an English translation of Guru Nanak's beautiful Sri Japji Sahib. Designed and formatted with an exquisite background for the reader's enjoyment.

All renderings attempting to explain the Divine path are quite difficult to comprehend. The Japji Sahib of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which is such a work, was rendered more than 500 years ago. Languages are not static but dynamic and Punjabi language is no exception to this. This fact has not helped in the matter but has rather made it more complex. The book 'JAPJI Sahib: A Complete Way of Life" attempts to facilitate the understanding of Japji Sahib, the daily Morning Prayer of Sikhs - incorporated at the beginning of 'Shri Guru Granth Sahib' the scripture of Sikhs - which is to be viewed as a single continuous and compact message of Guru Nanak, depicting unity of the directive principles of Sikhism. There is a school of thought, which explains Japji Sahib as expansion of the introductory 'Mool Mantra'. In this context, Japji Sahib is also stated to be the essence of whole Guru Granth Sahib. Conversely, the whole Guru Granth Sahib is said to be the expansion of Japji Sahib. The commentary, in black print, attempts to reflect this oneness of the principles of this most modern & universal religion of the world. Apart from the commentary, this book also contains the translation of Japji Sahib in English. All the available translations of Japji Sahib are narrative in nature and therefore, make it impossible to relate them to each word of the original rendering in Gurmukhi script. This effort has been made with the idea of setting right this imbalance. The translation, in coloured print, is given in as many words as in the original rendering. Owing to the limitation of the difference in the grammar of the two languages, some words have been added, in the translation, to clarify the complete meaning. These additional words are mentioned in brackets. The commentary and the translation have been interspersed in such a manner that they complement each other for better comprehension by the reader. For easier segregated reading, the translation, in blue print, has been aligned right. However, where there is a direct instruction to be followed by human beings, the translation, in bold print, has been coloured red and has been center-aligned. Another aspect that may be mentioned is that Sikhism has certain concepts, which if not unique, are quite special to it. Few such important concepts are 'Guru', 'Baani/Gurbaani', 'Hukam', 'Maaya', 'Man', 'Haumain', 'Naam/Shabad', 'Sat/Sach/Waheguru' and 'Simran'. Understanding these concepts in right perspective would be a pre-requisite for anyone interested in gaining an in-depth familiarization with this religion. These concepts have also been explained in the book. Some of the difficult words / terms (with super-scribed numbering) used in the book have been clarified in detail separately. It can be said that Japji Sahib helps a person in understanding the very purpose of human life. It also explains the specific acts to be performed in life and the manner in which they are to be performed for achieving the laid down objective of human life. There can't be a more true and simple narration of why and how of the human life than the one detailed in Japji Sahib. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's rendering of Japji Sahib is a service to mankind to which it is difficult to find another equal. Guru Nanak's message of Japji Sahib transcends all religions and seeks welfare of all beings. It is a powerful tool provided to the human being for fulfillment of his destiny. However, the option remains with the individual as to whether he wants to know, understand and pursue the desired path.

A layperson's understanding of the First Composition of the holy Sikh scriptures.