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Sikh Philosophy and Religion: 11th Guru
Nanak Memorial Lectures The diverse
perspectives taken up in these lectures are meant for the general
readers to view history and philosophy of Sikhism. The author has
discussed at length the rational approach of Guru Nanak, the founder of
Sikhism, and other gurus to God, immortality and love. Sikhism is a
practical religion of universal equality and brotherhood. The Sikhs
believe "we are the sons of Waheguru, the Almighty". In other
words, all creatures have God’s spirit and must be properly respected.
Their aim is to develop understanding and promote universal moral values
to build a better society and to fight disruptive forces. The gurus have
exploded the age-old Indian myth of suffering for suffering’s sake.
Instead of turning your cheek to the person who has slapped you, slap
him harder, for if he is unjust, he is godless. Sikhism is a religion
of the sensible householders. The Sikh gurus denounced such tendencies
that promote hypocrisies such as retirement to forest to attain
salvation or the path of recluse. They believed that salvation is
obtained by one’s actions—good deeds. They preached to uphold moral
values: defend, safeguard and fight for the rights of all creatures and
in particular your fellow beings. Another important perspective of
Sikhism is that negative energies cannot be suppressed or avoided. By
avoiding them is to give them a separate existence. The right way is to
see them as slaves that serve human values. Love is another subject
that is a vital part of Sikh discipline. It is a power that subdues haumey
and whatever it sees and thinks the world to be. The Sikh love of
nature is another unique fact. The author also dwels on the attitude of
the Sikh gurus towards women, who should be given equal status in all
spheres of life. Basically, the book talks about the primary beliefs
and principles of Sikhism. Its greatest virtue lies in simplicity,
brevity and honesty of his expression. In translating the divine songs
of the gurus, he has tried to catch the "divine whisper of
love"behind the words and makes one wonder at the glories of God.
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The second edition of Nirmal Kumar’s Sikh
Philosophy and Religion is an important contribution to Sikh literature.
The book has direct relevance to the modern age and especially for the
modern man. It is a collection of the 11th Guru Nanak Memorial Lecturers
delivered in 1977 at Punjabi University, Patiala.