Sikhism (Religions of the World Series)

This unique and insightful book skillfully combines recent research in the area of Sikh studies to provide an accurate and comprehensive overview of Sikh history and religiosity against the backdrop of other major religious traditions of the world. Considers the Sikhs today, with focused discussion on the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Guru Panth, the Darbar Sahib, and Amritsar. Examines the founding of the Sikh community, the Guru Nanak, the Sikh doctrine, and the guiding ethics of the religion, and delves into the development of the community, including the influences of the Guru Gobind Singh, the establishment of Sikh Kingdom in the Punjab, and Sikhs move into the modern world. Explores Sikh beliefs, practices, family life and festivals, and concludes a thought-provoking chapter on the future of the Sikh religion—meeting spiritual needs away from the Punjab; replanting the Sikh institution in an alien soil, and moving toward a membership of the global community. For readers interested in World Religions. This Text Presents An Overview Of Sikh History And Religiosity By Firmly Placing It Against The Backdrop Of Other Religious Traditions Of The World. It Includes A Basic Introduction To The Faith, Its History, Beliefs, Practices And Modern Developments. The Sikhs -- The Basic Beliefs -- The Punjab -- Guru Nanak -- Guru Nanak In Kartarpur -- The Consolidation -- The Sikh Community Expands -- Challenges Emerge -- Guru Gobind Singh -- Establishing The Khalsa Raj -- Nationalistic Aspirations -- Modern Times -- The Arrival Of The British -- The Beginning Of The Modern Era -- Doctrinal Debates -- Sikh Conduct -- The Gurdwaras -- The Dream Of Sovereignty -- Toward A World Community -- Beliefs And Devotional Life -- The Guru Granth -- The Interpretive Literature -- Court Poetry -- The Rahitnamas -- Beliefs -- Vahiguru -- Jagat -- Manas -- Devotional Activity -- Worship -- Ceremonies -- Festivals -- Sacred Space -- Gurdwara -- The Darbar Sahib -- Land Of The Punjab -- Society -- Structure Of Sikh Society -- Vertical (social) Divisions -- Horizontal (religious) Divisions -- Personal Authority -- Women In Sikh Society -- At The Turn Of The Twenty-first Century -- Sikh Art. Gurinder Singh Mann. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [123]-125) And Index. Sikhism is a concise and readable survey of the history of Sikhism, from its founding in the Punjab in the sixteenth century to its spread across the globe today. Focusing particularly on the modern period, it provides a valuable introduction to contemporary Sikh beliefs, devotional activity, and sacred space. Sikhism looks at the ways in which this regional religious tradition has become a global religion and how it continues to adapt and meet the challenges of the modern world.