Author: Sudarshan Singh
Publisher: Singh Brothers
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: 179
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8172054300
Description
It is a first serious and academic attempt to study the democratic ideals and institutions of the Sikh Religion.
The Sikh Gurus expounded a religion based primarily on democratic concepts and institutions. The essence of the teachings of the Gurus was the unity of God and the Brotherhood of man. We find in them an unbroken thread of the ideals of selfless service, love for mankind, humility, equality, fraternity and honest endeavour. The quality of men is their sheet-anchor. To give a practical shape to these ideals, the Gurus established and developed the institutions of Sangat and Pangat. The process of development of these institutions continued gradually until Guru Hargobind brought about a transformation by giving a militant turn to the movement.
The most dramatic development was Guru Gobind Singh’s creation of the Khalsa brotherhood through a novel system of baptism. Another feature of this transformation was the bridging of the gulf between the Guru and the disciple. What impressed the masses was not only the Guru’s complete identification with the common man but also his condescending to kneel down before his disciples to receive baptism from them-a unique and unheard of incident in the history of mankind.
The author convincingly establishes the democratic character of the ideals and institutions of Sikhism. He substantiates his points by quoting profusely from the Sikh scriptures and the life accounts of the Gurus.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Glossary of Technical Terms
1. INTRODUCTION
Definition and Scope of Democracy
Picture of Indian Society during the Middle Ages
2. THE CASTE-SYSTEM AND THE SIKH GURUS
The Origin and Development of Caste-System
Basis of Caste-System
Ferment of Social Reformation
Contentions of the Sikh Gurus
Principles of the Gurus in Practice
3. SANGAT
Backgrouns
Contentions of the Sikh Gurus
The Development of the Institution of Sangat under the Gurus
4. LANGAR
Backgrouns
Contentions of the Sikh Gurus
Development of Langar under the Gurus
5. THE STATUS OF WOMEN UNDER THE SIKH GURUS
Background
Contentions of the Sikh Gurus
Importance of Women in the Times of the Gurus
6. THE ADI GRANTH AND ITS UNIVERSAL MESSAGE
Collection of Hymns by Guru Arjan
Contributors of Gurbani and its Contents
Compilation
Importance of this Granth
7. THE KHALSA BROTHERHOOD
Picture of Indian Society
The Creation of the Khalsa
Norms and Forms of the Khalsa
Significance of the Creation of the Khalsa
8. CONCLUSION
Bibliography
Index