Guru Nanak and The Sikh Religion
(An Anthology of Critical Essays)
Book Review by
Dr. Devinder Pal Singh
Center for Understanding Sikhism, ON, Canada
Book’s Name: Guru Nanak & The Sikh Religion (An Anthology of Critical Essays)
Book Review by
Dr. Devinder Pal Singh
Center for Understanding Sikhism, ON, Canada
Author: Prof. Hardev Singh Virk, Professor of Eminence (Hon.), SGGS World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors
Publication Year: 2025
Pages: 150; Price: Rs. 795, US$10
ISBN: 978-81-269-4186-5
Reviewer: Dr. Devinder Pal Singh, Director, Center for Understanding Sikhism, Mississauga, ON, Canada
In his book “Guru Nanak and the Sikh Religion,” Prof. Hardev Singh Virk presents a compilation of 16 critical essays on Sikhism. The introduction sets the stage by explaining the genesis of these essays, which were initially intended as lectures for an online platform and later adapted for a wider audience. The author candidly shares his journey, from initially having no formal teaching experience in Sikhism to being selected by Academia.edu, an educational group, highlighting the personal challenge he undertook to prepare these materials. He also mentions the support he received from various Sikh scholars, underscoring the collaborative and scholarly context in which the work was produced. This introductory note frames the book not as a traditional historical text but as a collection of thoughtful reflections on the religion's core principles and contemporary issues.
The Sikh Religion: Introduction and Overview (Chapter 1) offers a concise introduction to Sikhism, the world's fifth-largest organized religion. It traces the faith's origins to Guru Nanak in the 15th century, highlighting his foundational teachings and his extensive travels to spread a message of universal brotherhood. It also provides a historical overview of the ten Sikh Gurus, the institutionalization of the religion through concepts like dharamsal, langar, and manjis, and the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib. The chapter emphasizes the distinct identity of Sikhism, rejecting the notion that it is a sect of Hinduism and clarifying the role of the Guru as a divine messenger rather than an incarnation of God.
Guru Nanak: The Founder of Sikh Religion (Chapter 2) delves into the life of Guru Nanak, presenting him not just as a religious leader but as a pioneer of social, political, and spiritual revolution in India. The chapter explores his early life, his spiritual awakening, and his travels (udasis). The author highlights how Guru Nanak challenged the social norms of his time, including the caste system and religious rituals, and established a new way of life at Kartarpur. The chapter emphasizes his role in creating a distinct faith with its own institutions and practices, which was continued by the nine succeeding Gurus.
Guru Nanak: A Pioneer of Social, Political & Spiritual Revolution in India (Chapter 3) explores Guru Nanak's revolutionary impact on Indian society. The author discusses how the Guru challenged the socio-political and spiritual stagnation of his time, advocating for equality, social justice, and a direct relationship with God. The essay examines his teachings on rejecting the caste system and the importance of a householder's life. The author highlights how Guru Nanak’s mission was to reform society from the ground up, promoting a faith that was not just about personal salvation but about building a just and equitable community.
Concept of GOD, the Ultimate Reality, in Sikh Religion (Chapter 4) provides an in-depth analysis of the Sikh concept of God. The author explains Guru Nanak’s unique contribution of defining God as both transcendental and immanent. The chapter examines the various aspects of God, emphasizing the concept of a "Personal God" as promoted in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The author clarifies that Sikhism is strictly monotheistic, believing in One God as the Ultimate Reality, and provides an explanation of the faith's core principles through the use of Gurbani quotes.
Approaches to the Exegesis of Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Chapter 5) focuses on the different ways the Sikh sacred scripture, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, has been interpreted. The author discusses various scholarly approaches to Sikh exegesis, citing the work of both Western scholars and Sikh scholars. The essay highlights the ongoing controversies surrounding the interpretation of Gurbani and the importance of a correct, logical, and scientific approach. The author references Macauliffe’s interpretation as a model for understanding the Gurus’ message in a way that respects the faith's moral and political merits.
In the chapter "Sikh View of Creator & Creation vis-à-vis Stephen Hawking's Ideas" (Chapter 6), the author draws a parallel between Sikh theology and modern scientific thought, explicitly referencing the ideas of Stephen Hawking, which are redundant in the face of Guru Nanak’s creation hypothesis. The essay examines the Sikh scripture’s perspective on the Creator and creation, arguing for its compatibility with a scientific worldview. The author posits that the SGGS provides a framework for understanding the universe that can be logically and scientifically interpreted, thereby making the faith relevant in a modern scientific age.
Concept of Mind, Body, and Soul in the Sikh Scripture (SGGS) (Chapter 7) explores the interconnected concepts of mind, body, and soul as presented in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The author discusses how the soul, being a subtle essence of the five elements, is entangled in the body and must overcome its influence. The chapter delves into Gurbani's perspective on the human condition and how an individual can attain spiritual liberation while living a worldly life. The author quotes from the SGGS to provide a spiritual and logical understanding of these fundamental concepts.
Concept of Maya in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Chapter 8) provides a critical analysis of the concept of Maya (worldly possessions and illusions) in Sikhism. The author defines Maya not as an illusion but as a "necessary evil" for leading a worldly life. The essay explores the dual nature of wealth, which is essential for a trouble-free life but can also be a source of anxiety and temptation. The author uses a Gurbani quote to illustrate the predicament of humans with both excess and lack of Maya, highlighting the need for balance and a liberated state of mind.
In the chapter “A Critique of 'Hope' and 'Desire' in the Sikh Religion” (Chapter 9), the author examines the concepts of hope and desire from a Sikh perspective, contrasting them with those found in other religious traditions. He introduces the Sikh concept of Chardi Kalaa, a state of eternal optimism and joy, and connects it to the idea of being content with God's will (bhana). The author shares a personal anecdote about how his faith in the SGGS helped him overcome adversity, illustrating how Sikh teachings provide moral strength and a formula for alleviating worries through honest effort and meditation.
The essay “A Critical Evaluation of Waheguru Gurmantar in Sikh Religion” (Chapter 10) provides a critical examination of the term "Waheguru" as a form of address for God. The author presents the historical context of its use and offers his opinion that the term was originally used as a eulogy for Guru Ram Das, not as a reference to God. He provides evidence from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib to support this claim, highlighting how different contributors to the sacred text used various names to represent the divine. The essay prompts readers to think critically about the origins and usage of a term central to Sikh devotion.
The chapter “How and Why the Message of Guru Nanak got Distorted?” (Chapter 11) is a critical examination of the historical factors that led to the distortion of Guru Nanak’s original message. The author discusses the influence of schismatic groups like the Minas and Dhirmalias, who wrote fake scriptures and opposed the mainstream Gurus. He also points to the failure of Sikh scholars and institutions to correctly interpret Gurbani, as well as the impact of the Brahmanical environment on the perception of Sikhism. The essay highlights the need for a "paradigm-shift" in Sikhi to counter these historical and ongoing issues.
In the chapter “Sikhi at the Cross-Roads: Do We Need a Paradigm Shift in Sikhi?” (Chapter 12), the author argues that Sikhism is at a critical juncture and requires a paradigm shift to remain relevant in the modern world. He laments that the Gurus' message has been misinterpreted due to various factors, including the influence of Brahmanical traditions. The author suggests a return to the core principles of Guru Nanak and a focus on critical, logical, and scientific interpretations of Gurbani. He proposes a new movement, similar to the Singh Sabha movement, to address the current challenges and bring a renaissance to the faith.
The essay “Why Sikhism Fails to Impact at Global Level?” Some Random Thoughts” (Chapter 13) explores the reasons behind Sikhism's limited global impact, despite its universal message. The author contrasts the spread of Christianity and Islam, which benefited from missionary efforts and institutional support, with Sikhism's lack of a similar organizational structure. He suggests that Sikh institutions create well-versed preachers who can disseminate the message in foreign languages and make the Sikh scripture more widely accessible. He also advocates for making the faith more inclusive by engaging with groups like the Nanakpanthis.
Genesis of Hindu-Sikh Divide: A Critical Evaluation of the Divide (Chapter 14) critically examines the historical and political reasons for the divide between the Hindu and Sikh communities. The author uses historical evidence to analyze the roots of this divide, challenging the notion that Sikhism is a part of Hinduism. He references the authoritative statement from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Arjun Dev, which clearly declares the independent position of Sikhism. This essay provides a thought-provoking perspective on a sensitive and complex topic within the Indian context.
In the chapter “Use of Scientific Analogies, Metaphors & Similes in Sri Guru Granth Sahib” (Chapter 15), the author explores the use of scientific analogies and metaphors by the Sikh Gurus in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib to explain complex spiritual concepts. He highlights how the Gurus used common, everyday examples from the flora and fauna of Punjab to make their message accessible to the ordinary person. The chapter demonstrates the compatibility of Sikh scripture with a scientific worldview, showing how a logical and scientific approach can be used to interpret Gurbani.
The last chapter, “My Sentimental Journey from Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur (Pakistan)” (Chapter 16), presents as a personal travelogue and serves as a poignant appendix to the collection. The author recounts his emotional journey to Kartarpur, the township established by Guru Nanak. He describes the hurdles he faced and the joy he experienced during his pilgrimage. This personal narrative not only provides a vivid picture of the Kartarpur Corridor but also serves to inspire other Sikhs to undertake this significant pilgrimage, thereby connecting them to the final resting place of the faith's founder.
The book aims to serve as a guide to Sikhism, introducing its history, belief system, and philosophy, with a primary emphasis on the teachings of Guru Nanak and the succeeding Gurus. It also highlights the three golden rules of Sikhism: "Kirat Karo, Vand Chhako and Naam Japo" (earn livelihood by honest means, share the fruits of your labour among the needy, and meditate on the name of God).
The author’s writing style is a blend of academic discourse and personal reflection, making complex theological concepts accessible to a broad readership. He frequently references the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) and quotes from Gurbani to support his arguments, providing an authentic and well-grounded perspective. The content is an "anthology of critical essays," as the title suggests. It doesn't shy away from addressing controversial topics and offering a critical evaluation of both historical events and current challenges facing the Sikh community. The context is modern, with the author frequently connecting historical events and religious doctrines to contemporary scientific thought and global issues, such as the spread of religion. The book's strength lies in its attempt to bridge traditional Sikh theology with modern-day concerns, offering a fresh lens for understanding the faith.
Guru Nanak and the Sikh Religion is a highly relevant book for anyone interested in a deeper, more critical understanding of Sikhism, including practicing Sikhs, scholars, and those from other religious backgrounds. The author's blend of personal experience, historical analysis, and theological critique makes the content both engaging and thought-provoking.
The book is significant in the modern era because it directly addresses the challenges faced by the Sikh community today. By questioning “why” the universal message of Guru Nanak has not had a greater global impact and by urging a "paradigm shift" in how the faith is taught and practiced, the author provides a roadmap for the future. The emphasis on a scientific and logical interpretation of the Sikh scripture is particularly vital in a world increasingly guided by reason and technology. This book serves as a valuable resource for fostering a more inclusive, intellectually rigorous, and globally minded understanding of Sikhism.
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