History and Philosophy of the Sikh Religion (Set of 2 Volumes)

About the Book The first comprehensive work on the history and religion of the Sikhs was produced by Khazan Singh, an Extra Assistant Commissioner. He was aware that many Sikhs and non-Sikhs had written on this subject. He had a lot of appreciation for the 'splendid work' of Macauliffe, and he looked upon the work of Giani Gian Singh as extremely useful. However, most of the works published by English writers were 'extremely defective' and 'in many ways misleading'. A systematic account of the religion and history of the Sikhs, a truer and a fuller account, was needed. Towards this end, Khazan Singh published his work History and Philosophy of the Sikh Religion in two volumes in 1914 on the basis of nearly all the important sources available at that time.

About the Author Prithipal Singh Kapur, well known historian and educationist, has been the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and Director, Punjab State University Text Book Board. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopaedia of Sikhism at Punjabi University, Patiala. He wrote/ edited more than a dozen books on Sikh history including Jassa Singh Ramgarhia (Pbi.), Punjab da Virsa (Pbi.), Master Tara Singh: Itihasak Pakh Ton (Pbi.), The Divine Master: Life & Teachings of Guru Nanak (edited).

Introduction 1. THE UNIVERSE IS IN A STATE OF FLUX

It is an admitted fact that the researches of human thought are confined to the power of each individual mind. It will also be admitted that human knowledge is very imperfect and that this imperfection will continue for times to come. Man does not know his own self, his soul and life, and is wandering hither and thither in doubt whether there is a soul or not, and whether that soul is perishable or imperishable. He does not know that machinery is spontaneously working within him, whether he is wide awake or fast asleep. He does not know the constituents of his own body, as if he were sitting in a dark room full of precious gems which he is unable to discern and value. He cannot see and feel thousands of living germs and worms in his stomach and body even though some of them have considerable dimensions. Just as physical light is required to see things in a dark room, so is spiritual light required to see things within us. As physical light is produced by the ignition of physical fire which exists on all material bodies as well as our own self, so is the spiritual light produced by igniting the spiritual fire which pervades our own self and all material and immaterial bodies as well as the whole space around us.

**Contents and Sample Pages**