About the Book Bhai Gurdas (1551-1636), a leading Sikh scholar of early Sikhism, presented a genuine and standardized exposition of Gurbani in his classic and voluminous works -Vars and Kabitt Swayyas. His works were blessed with the epithet of 'Key to Gurbani', by Guru Arjan Dev himself. These works form a part of accepted Sikh canon and are sung at the Sikh congregations along with Gurbani.
This work the English translation of 40 Vars of Bhai Gurdas to apprise the western audience to this classical interpretation of Sikh Theology. Besides translating each. line in a lucid language, the translator has given a summary at the end of each stanza in which he also refers to the original concept of Gurbani - the core of Bhai Gurdas' elucidation. The text of the Vars has also been incorporated in Gurmukhi and Roman scripts to enhance the utility of this important reference work.
About the Author Shamsher Singh Purl is a civil engineer by profession. After having worked in his chosen profession he migrated to USA in 1974. After working as a well reputed construction engineer for 14 years in his adopted country he voluntarily retired and absorbed himself in the study of Sikh scriptures. Love of Gurbani being strong in his inheritance he had opportunity, means and mind to pursue the study of Gurbani and write about the message of Guru Nanak. Hence many of his articles were published in reputed journals of UK, USA and India. These articles were widely applauded by the readers.
Encouraged by the publication of his articles, he wrote his first book Prayer which was published in 1995. After that he authored Handbook of Sikh Theology, Bhagats and Saints of Guru Granth Sahib, Happy Marriage-the Sikh Perspective, Spiritual Sayings, Sikh Philosophy and Spiritual Life, Ab to Jaag Masafir Pyare (Punjabi). The Joy of Surrendering to His Will, The Essence of Japji, Let us Learn Gurmukhi (4 parts). All of his works have been well received by scholars and general readers alike.
Introduction A inspired by my friends, Dr. Harbans Lal and Dr. Kulwant Singh Khokhar, both of whom are good scholars of Sikh theology, to take up the project of interpreting Bhai Gurdas Ji's works in English. I took their advice rather sedately while I was more involved with my other writings (Sikh Philosophy and Spiritual Life, Handbook of Sikh Theology, Saints and Bhagats in Guru Granth Sahib, Influence of Thought on Mind and Body, Happy Marriage, Joy of Surrendering to His Will, Spiritual Sayings). However kept working on the project of translating Värs rather at a snail's pace and managed to complete it by the end of year 2000. During the time when I was working on this project, I sent a copy of a part of my manuscript to the Management of Gurdwara Keling, Singapore; who after its perusal had very graciously agreed to have it published. Thereafter, I sent them my complete manuscript of about a thousand pages (original). Of and on, would enquire off them about the progress of printing and publication of the book, but without tangible results. To my dismay, I was informed in November 2004 that the manuscript had been lost. Although I was much hurt, yet I feel that it was a blessing in disguise. Apparently that effort was below standard and the True Guru wanted me to produce a more viable and acceptable work through His blessings.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
