The Socially Involved Renunciate: Guru Nanak's Discourse to the Nath Yogis

kds1980 · #1 (**permalink**) 25-Feb-2008, 02:58 AM

The Socially Involved Renunciate (SUNY PRESS) is an in-depth analysis and an original English translation of the Siddh Gost, a fundamental philosophical text of the Sikh tradition. The work reflects the distinctive worldview of Sikhism, the only major Indian religion that does not regard asceticism as a legitimate path to liberation.

Composed by Guru Nanak, a medieval, north Indian saint-poet and venerated founder of the Sikh tradition, the Siddh Gost is a dialogue between Guru Nanak and several Nath yogis who had been pursuing a rigorous path of hath-yoga as renunciates of the material world. Through their dialogue, Guru Nanak teaches the Nath yogis a spiritual path that also includes involvement in the social world and offers a practical way to achieve liberation. In The Socially Involved Renunciate, Kamala Elizabeth Nayar and Jaswinder Singh Sandhu provide background on Sikhism, highlight the ethical teachings expounded in the Siddh Gost, and demonstrate how Guru Nanak reconciles the polarities of the ascetic and householder ideals.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/books-on-sikhism/20098-socially-involved-renunciate-guru-nanaks-discourse.html

“The authors venture to examine an interesting and hitherto unexplored area of Sikh study in the English language and deserve critical encouragement for writing an important work in this newly emerging field.” — Pashaura Singh, University of California at Riverside

Kamala Elizabeth Nayar is Lecturer in South Asian Studies at Kwantlen University College, British Columbia, and author of The Sikh Diaspora in Vancouver: Three Generations Amid Tradition, Modernity, and Multiculturalism. Jaswinder Singh Sandhu is a psychotherapist in British Columbia.

Narayanjot Kaur · #2 (**permalink**) 25-Feb-2008, 08:00 AM

Kds1980

I read this review a few days ago on Sikhnet. Amazing development! Do you plan to read the book? I would like to read it. If you do, please share your thoughts.

Aman Singh · #3 (**permalink**) 25-Feb-2008, 08:29 AM

The Socially Involved Renunciate: Guru Nanak's Discourse to the Nath Yogis
By Kamala Elizabeth Nayar, Jaswinder Singh Sandhu

Click Here to Buy This Book at SPN Store
Product Description

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #90157 in Books
Published on: 2007-09-06
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
181 pages

Price: $60.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=20098

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
The Socially Involved Renunciate is an in-depth analysis and an original English translation of the Siddh Gost, a fundamental philosophical text of the Sikh tradition. The work reflects the distinctive worldview of Sikhism, the only major Indian religion that does not regard asceticism as a legitimate path to liberation.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=20098

Composed by Guru Nanak, a medieval, north Indian saint-poet and venerated founder of the Sikh tradition, the Siddh Gost is a dialogue between Guru Nanak and several Nath yogis who had been pursuing a rigorous path of hath-yoga as renunciates of the material world. Through their dialogue, Guru Nanak teaches the Nath yogis a spiritual path that also includes involvement in the social world and offers a practical way to achieve liberation. In The Socially Involved Renunciate, Kamala Elizabeth Nayar and Jaswinder Singh Sandhu provide background on Sikhism, highlight the ethical teachings expounded in the Siddh Gost, and demonstrate how Guru Nanak reconciles the polarities of the ascetic and householder ideals.

"The authors venture to examine an interesting and hitherto unexplored area of Sikh study in the English language and deserve critical encouragement for writing an important work in this newly emerging field." -- Pashaura Singh, University of California at Riverside
About the Author
Kamala Elizabeth Nayar is Lecturer in South Asian Studies at Kwantlen University College, British Columbia, and author of The Sikh Diaspora in Vancouver: Three Generations Amid Tradition, Modernity, and Multiculturalism. Jaswinder Singh Sandhu is a psychotherapist in British Columbia.

Narayanjot Kaur · #4 (**permalink**) 26-Feb-2008, 10:51 AM

Sangat ji
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=20098

Two forum members, Admin Aman ji and Leader kds1980 ji, posted reviews of this book, starting two separate threads, on the same day, neither one knowing that other had done so. So the book is causing some excitement. Visit the SPN bookstore and take a look. The discount is amazing.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=20098

The threads have been merged. If you have this book, let us know what you think.