Western Perspective on the Sikh Religion

Author: Darshan Singh
Publisher: Singh Brothers
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 243
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8172053274

Description

Two centuries of Western Writings on Sikhism form an independent tradition of interpretation and a distinct perspective. The present study seeks to elaborate and explore the nature of the Western perspective on the Sikh religion, focusing on its distinctive features. It aims at bringing out the contribution of the western writers to the understanding of the Sikh tradition and faith. Being a study of the non-participant outsider’s perspective from the participant insider’s point of view it assumes the form of a dialogue.

The process of image formation when differing communities interact has also been discussed at some length, keeping in view the intentions, motivations and relative status of the interacting groups. It also describes the development and inner dynamism of the Western perspective on Sikhism. A survey of the western writings introduces the reader to the western perspective. In the subsequent chapter it examines the Western understanding of the Sikh tradition and Sikh faith. In an almost unexplored area the study breaks a new ground and is indispensable for those interested in more comprehensive and critical understanding of the Western contribution to the study of the Sikh religion.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Prolegomenon

Survey of the western Writings on the Sikh Religion

Western Perspective on the Sikh Tradition

Western Perspective on the Sikh Faith

Resume

Bibliography

Index