About the Book Sikhism, one of the latest and modern religions of the world, is basically anti-ritualistic and anti- dogmatic. It shattered for the first time the hegemony of religio- social forces previously operating in Indian sub-continent. The Sikh philosophy envisages that a true Sikh loves all humanity, earns livelihood by all fair means, shares earnings with the and strives for the realisation of God by abiding His will and seeking Grace. Thus, the universal message of the Sikh Gurus acquires global appeal.
This book is a valuable critique on the anti-ritualistic premises of Sikhism. The author profusely quotes from the original text of Guru Granth Sabib. He also warns about the Brahmanic rituals creeping in the present Sikh practice and helps the reader to identify the true path shown by the Great Gurus.
About the Author Dr. Surindar Singh Kohli, was professor and head of the department of Punjabi, Panjab University, Chandigarh. He has not only made a significant contribution in the field of comparative literature, but has also done a distinct service in the realm of comparative religion in general and Sikh Studies in particular, through his works including. The Sikh Philosophy. Yoga of the Sikhs, Outlines of Sikh Thought, Philosophy of Guru Nanak, Travels of Guru Nanak, Sikh Ethics, The Sword and the Spirit and The Conceptual Dictionary of Guru Granth Sabib. He is an authority on Sikh scriptures and has made their thorough and critical study in a dispassionate and scholarly manner. His works are marked by clarity, brevity and scholarship.
Foreword After the publication of two books entitled Death and After and Naam in the series 'Guru Granth Sahib Speaks", this book entitled Ritualism and its Rejection in Sikhism was sent for printing, but the publishers held it up because they wanted some more additions in it. According to them, mere mention of the rejection of rituals in Hinduism or any other religion will not serve the purpose. Therefore a more critical review of the thought-content in Sikhism was necessary. In this case, I had to rely mostly on the work of the stalwarts of the Singh Sabha Movement, especially on Bhai Sahib Bhai Kahn Singh's appreciable work in Hum Hindu Nahin. This work clearly says that Sikhism has no aversion for anyone and not the least for Hindus. It only expounds the differences in various thought-currents in both the religions. Therefore I have divided this book in two parts, the first part prepared anew with quotations from the Sikh Scripture under the title 'Attitude of Sikhism towards Brahminic Rituals' and the second part already written under the title 'Ritualism in Indic Religions Especially Hinduism'. However, the third book in the series 'Guru Granth Sahib Speaks' has been published under the title Hari-gun (Attributes of God).
I am confident that the Sikhs living in various parts of the world will be greatly benefitted by this new venture.
Book's Contents and Sample Pages
