5,025 research outputs found
Professor Puran Singh: Scientist, Poet and Philosopher
Get PDFProfessor Puran Singh, a unique synthesis of a poet, philosopher and scientist, rose like a celestial star on the firmament of modern Indian literature. The many splendored personality of this great chemist, mystic poet, visionary and interpreter of the Sikh cultural consciousness still beckons scholars to explore the extent of his vision in various fields. After a splendid in-depth study of the Life and Work of Puran Singh, Dr. Hardev Singh Virk has made a successful attempt to unravel the persona of this multi-dimensional genius in his book titled 'Professor Puran Singh - Scientist, Poet and Philosopher.'
The book is an anthology of 11 essays - 7 in English and 4 in Punjabi. In the 'Introduction to the book, the author traces a brief history of the kindling of his interest in the 'Life and Works of Puran Singh.' Then he articulates the purpose of the book to elaborate the ideas of this eminent scholar through different mediums to reach a wider audience. Dr. Virk stresses that poetic and other literary works of Puran Singh are of International standards and worth a Nobel Prize in literature. Still, sadly these works have not been adequately projected at the world forum
Understanding Root Zone Soil Water Dynamics to Improve Root Water Uptake in Semi-Arid Cotton Systems
No full textUnderstanding spatial and temporal patterns of root water uptake (RWU) in semiarid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields under subsurface drip irrigation is critically challenging due to the complexity of interactive water flow, heat transport, root growth, and RWU processes and the difficulties associated with the field measurements of these multidimensional processes. However, using the numerical simulation model, such as the multidimensional numerical model HYDRUS (2D/3D) and the agricultural systems model Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2), can provide alternative tools to understanding the root zone water dynamics to address efficient soil water management in subsurface drip-irrigated cotton in semiarid environments, especially in West Texas. Therefore, the overall objective of this study was to understand the root zone soil water dynamics in upland cotton grown under subsurface drip irrigation and different agronomic practices using both multidimensional numerical and agricultural systems models. The specific objectives of this study were to (i) simulate root zone soil water dynamics under cotton-silverleaf nightshade competitive interactions in subsurface drip-irrigated cotton using the numerical simulation model HYDRUS (2D/3D) (chapter 2); (ii) evaluate the applicability of both numerical model HYDRUS (2D/3D) and agricultural system model RZWQM2 in analyzing root zone soil water dynamics and RWU processes of cotton grown under deficit subsurface drip irrigation in a semiarid environment (chapter 3); (iii) analyze and model the interactive effects of dynamic soil water and soil thermal environments (i.e., the moisture-thermal regime of soils) on the growth, development, yield and quality of early-season planted subsurface drip-irrigated cotton germplasms with cold germination ability (chapter 4), and (iv) evaluate and model interactive effects of dynamic soil water and soil thermal environments on the growth, development, yield and quality of early-season planted subsurface drip-irrigated cotton germplasms in biochar amended soils. This study reported that the validated HYDRUS (2D/3D) model simulations were found to agree with the measured volumetric water content, soil temperature, and soil water potential and their temporal variation at different soil depths under the cotton plant (CP), silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) plant (SNP) and cotton and silverleaf nightshade plants together (CP-SNP) treatments. The maximum RWU, evapotranspiration, and cumulative flux were in the order of CP-SNP > SNP >CP. A maximum value of RWU was observed for CP-SNP throughout the growing season, mainly during the cotton's leaf development and flowering stages, when RWU rates of the cotton-silverleaf nightshade root systems were the main contributor to actual evapotranspiration. Therefore, the timely management of silverleaf nightshade control measures during this period is critical to manage efficient soil water use for cotton and prevent potential yield losses. The study suggested that the HYDRUS (2D/3D) model provides an alternate tool for evaluating dynamic competitive water uses and RWU rates and determining cotton water stress and critical competition period of cotton growth stages under the cotton-silverleaf nightshade interactions in subsurface drip irrigated upland cotton production system to implement efficient water management and weed control measures. This study suggested that the HYDRUS (2D/3D) and RZWQM2 model simulations, calibrated and validated against field measurements (i.e., soil water content, soil water potential, and soil temperature data at different soil depths), agreed well with measured volumetric water contents, soil temperatures, and soil water potentials and their temporal variations at different soil depths for four different deficit subsurface drip irrigation levels or treatments, i.e., i) 50 mm (I1), ii) 130 mm (I2), iii) 200 mm (I3), and iv) 280 mm (I4). Actual transpiration (i.e., RWU rates) and evapotranspiration flux and their cumulative values predicted by both the models were in the order: I1 < I2 <I3 <I4, which could be explained by the enhanced root growth in I4 treatment as indicated by the higher root length density and maximum root length in I4 compared with other deficit irrigation treatments (i.e., I1, I2, and I3). Relative Evapotranspiration (i.e., simulated soil stress conditions) values predicted by the HYDRUS (2D/3D) and RZWQM2 correlated with the measured stem and leaf water potentials and further validated both models’ applicability of determining cotton water stress under different deficit subsurface irrigation levels. Multi-model simulations for semiarid cotton systems under different deficit subsurface drip irrigation levels suggested that both the HYDRUS (2D/3D) and RZWQM2 models could be used as alternate tools for effectively addressing efficient water management issues under water-limited cotton production systems. This study reported that Gossypium Diversity Reference Set (GDRS) accessions and FA mutant cotton germplasms (FA 306-8, FA 301-3, SA 3781, SA 1766, SA 0881, SA 1156) and 6X grown under early planting dates performed reasonably well for their seedling emergences and seedling development, physiological growth responses (plant height, LAI, and photosynthesis and transpiration rates), lint yields, and fiber quality parameters (Micronaire value, Uniformity, Bundle Strength (HVI test), and Short Fiber Content by Number, Fineness, and Maturity (AFIS test)). However, there was no significant difference among treatments for physiological growth responses of all the cotton germplasms with cold germination ability. The HYDRUS (2D/3D) numerical model, further calibrated (i.e., optimized both water flow and heat transport parameters) and validated against field measurements (i.e., soil water content and soil temperature data at different soil depths), predicted the temporal variations in the soil thermal-moisture regimes and its effects on the soil water dynamics and responses (i.e., seedling emergence, growth, and development, fiber quality) of early-season planted (at 15-day intervals for four planting dates beginning from April 5) subsurface drip-irrigated cold-tolerant cotton germplasms. The results suggested that the HYDRUS (2D/3D) could provide an effective research tool to analyze the interactive effects of temporal variations in soil water and soil thermal environments under semiarid climatic conditions for exploring the optimized soil moisture-thermal regimes (i.e., soil water dynamics coupled with heat transport, root growth, and RWUprocesses) that could enhance the plant growth and development, and yield and fiber quality of early-season planted cotton germplasms with cold ability. In this study, the cotton germplasms FA 301-3, FA 306-8, and 6X grown under early planting dates following the application of two different rates of Biochar amendments, i.e., Biochar @10 t ha-1 and Biochar @ 20 t ha-1 performed reasonably well for their seedling emergences and seedling development; however, no significant difference was observed among the planting dates and cotton germplasms during the first year of the experiment. The results suggested that the HYDRUS (2D/3D), further calibrated (i.e., optimized both water flow and heat transport parameters) and validated against field measurements (i.e., soil water content and soil temperature data at different soil depths), could be an effective tool to analyze the interactive effects of temporal variations in soil water and soil thermal environment under semiarid climatic conditions for exploring the optimized soil moisture-thermal regimes and evaluating root zone soil water dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere systems that could enhance the plant growth and development, and yield and fiber quality of early-season planted cotton germplasms with cold ability in biochar amended soils. Overall, this study conducted in multiple (from 2017 to 2021) cotton growing seasons under different soil textures suggested that both models used in this study (HYDRUS (2D/3D) and RZWQM2), especially the HYDRUS (2D/3D) could provide effective tools to analyze and model the root zone soil water dynamics of upland cotton grown under subsurface drip irrigation and different agronomic management practice considerations or scenarios for addressing efficient soil water management and conservation issues under the spatio-temporal variability of soil moisture and thermal regimes in semiarid environments.Embargo status: Restricted until 01/2024. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left
Modeling root water uptake of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum l.) under deficit subsurface drip irrigation in West Texas
No full textWater availability is one of the major constraints in most of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producing areas of the Southern High Plains (SHP) of Texas, where erratic rainfall, high rate of evaporation, and droughts are increasing pressure on the depleting Ogallala Aquifer to support the intensive groundwater-dependent agriculture in this SHP region. The growing emphasis on agricultural water management has increasingly stressed to develop sustainable irrigation strategies, such as deficit irrigation, for supplemental irrigations. Actual evapotranspiration cotton, i.e., actual evaporation and transpiration fluxes in cotton production systems, is affected by the root zone soil water dynamics. The quantitative evaluation of root zone soil water dynamics requires simultaneous knowledge of water flow in and through the root zone, root growth, and root water uptake (RWU). Despite its importance for managing efficient use of irrigation water, there remains a paucity of quantitative information on spatial and temporal RWU rate distributions in semiarid cotton fields especially under deficit subsurface drip irrigation in semiarid West Texas. Because of the complexity of water flow, root growth and RWU processes as well as the difficulties associated with field measurements of RWU rate distributions, numerical simulations of coupled water flow and heat transport, while accounting for root growth and RWU, using multidimensional vadose zone flow and transport models such as the HYDRUS (2D/3D) could provide an effective tool for managing efficient water use in cotton while enhancing cotton yield. To our knowledge, there have been very few studies that have evaluated the applicability of multidimensional vadose models such as HYDRUS (2D/3D) in predicting compensated and uncompensated RWU patterns of cotton under a deficit subsurface drip irrigation. Therefore, the overall objective of this study was to evaluate spatial and temporal RWU rate distributions in cotton grown under a deficit subsurface irrigation system using the HYDRUS (2D/3D) model. Specific objectives were to (i) calibrate and validate HYDRUS (2D/3D) model using field experimental data to predict RWU rate distributions under selected levels of deficit subsurface drip irrigation, (ii) quantify spatial and temporal RWU distributions in the cotton root zone under selected levels of deficit subsurface drip irrigation, (iii) evaluate actual transpiration, evapotranspiration and drainage fluxes under selected levels of deficit subsurface drip irrigation, and (iv) evaluate spatial and temporal compensatory RWU rate distributions under selected levels of deficit subsurface drip irrigation.
A field experiment was carried out at Texas Tech University’s New Deal Research Farm in a subsurface drip irrigated cotton field during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons to observe soil physical, hydrological and thermal properties within the 0 to 100 cm soil profiles; soil water and soil temperature dynamics in the root zone down to 100 cm depth; meteorological variables; cotton physiological and root growth parameters; and cotton lint yield. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four deficit irrigation treatments and four blocks. The four levels of deficit subsurface drip irrigation were applied: a seasonal requirement of (i) 50 mm (I1 treatment), (ii) 130 mm (I2 treatment), (iii) 200 mm (I3 treatment), and (iv) 280 mm (I4 treatment, which was used as the control). The HYDRUS (2D/3D) was calibrated at the control treatment (i.e., I4 deficit irrigation treatment) for a 157-day period from DOY (day of the year) 146 to DOY 303 (May 26 to October 30, 2017) using volumetric water contents and soil temperatures temperature measured at soil depths of 10, 20, 30, 50 and 80 cm as well as soil water potentials measured at 10, 20 and 40 and 60 cm depths in the two-layered 100-cm soil profile [i.e., sandy clay loam layer (0-20 cm) and clay loam layer (20-100 cm)]. Measured soil water retention, hydraulic, and heat transport parameters for the two-layered 100-cm soil profile domain were optimized using the HYDRUS inverse optimization algorithm, i.e., by minimizing the residuals between measured and simulated volumetric water content, soil temperature and soil water potential data. With the optimized parameters, the HYDRUS (2D/3D) was validated using experimental data from all treatments (I1, I2, I3, and I4 treatments) for a 157-day period from DOY 146 to DOY 303 (May 26 to October 30, 2017) and for a 154-day period from DOY 165 to DOY 319 (June 14 to November 15, 2018) during the two consecutive growing seasons. During both growing seasons, the HYDRUS (2D/3D) model simulations were found to agree with measured volumetric water content, soil temperature, and soil water potential values and their temporal variations at different soil depths for all treatments to a reasonable accuracy, as suggested by the results of the statistical indices Root mean square error (RMSE), Mean Error (ME), index of agreement (d) and coefficient of determination (R2). Simulated actual transpiration (i.e., RWU) and evapotranspiration flux and their cumulative values were in the order: I1 < I2 <I3 <I4, which were attributed to the enhanced root growth in I4 treatment as indicated by the higher root length density in I4 treatment in comparison with other deficit irrigation treatments (I1, I2, and I3). During a growing season, the maximum RWU rate was observed for I4 treatment, i.e., 0.007 cm3 cm-3 d-1, while the treatment I1 provided the minimum RWU rate of 0.003 cm3 cm-3 d-1. The highest root length density was observed in all treatments within the 20-40 cm depths. Accordingly, the depth distribution of RWU rates was not only governed by the root zone soil water status but also by the most densely rooted soil zone, i.e., 20-50 cm, suggesting the primary uptake layer or soil depth where soil water becomes critical for the most efficient RWU by cotton. Using the RWU compensation resulted in the enhanced RWU rates for all treatments. During a growing season, as compared to uncompensated RWU the enhanced RWU flux resulted in a higher increase in actual transpiration rate by 6% for I4 treatment while the corresponding increase was relatively lower for I1 with an increase by 2 %. HYDRUS (2D/3D) simulations suggest that the compensatory RWU distribution rates, which were independent of the plant stress status as indicated by stem or leaf water potential values, should be interpreted as a response to non-uniform soil water and root distributions. Relative evapotranspiration (ratio of actual to potential evapotranspiration) values correlated well with the measured stem water potential and leaf water potentials, further validate the use of HYDRUS (2D/3D) as a tool for evaluating cotton water stress. Overall, results of the multidimensional RWU simulations using experimental data at a semiarid cotton field under deficit subsurface drip irrigation suggest that the HYDRUS (2D/3D) could be used as an effective tool for managing efficient water use in drip-irrigated cotton under water-limited conditions
Book Review by Hardev Singh Virk - Science and Sikhism : Conflict and Coherence (Book Author: Dr. D. P. Singh)
No full textDr. D P Singh is a prolific writer in many areas of Science, Religion and Literature. He came into my contact almost four decades back when he started his teaching career in Shivalik College, Nangal. In my note published on the blurb of this book, I wrote: " I expect his forthcoming book" Science and Sikhism : Conflict or Coherence" will prove to be a landmark in the area of Science-Religion Dialogue, with special reference to Sikh religion". I can declare without an iota of doubt that DP has more than justified my claim on his book.
The title of the book is followed by a note "Anthology of Essays on various Concepts in Sri Guru Granth Sahib" which may be considered as a sub-title to the book. Nearly a dozen titles have appeared in the global market projecting scientific vision of Sikh Gurus enshrined in the holy pages of Sri Guru Granth Sahib but there is no rival to this volume in my view till date. The coverage of topics by DP Singh is very exhaustive. All Chapters of the book open with an appropriate quotation from Science, Religion or Literature.
The book is dedicated to "Inquisitive Human Spirit" which is displayed by the author throughout this volume. The dedication is followed by the famous quote of Freeman Dyson, the renowned Physicist: "Science and religion are two windows that people look through, trying to understand the big universe outside, trying to understand why we are here. The two windows give different views, but they look out at the same universe. Both views are one-sided, neither is complete. Both leave out essential features of the real world. And both are worthy of respect". Surprisingly, Dyson is contradicted as SGGS and Science are compatible in their world-view and there is no conflict but harmony between these two
windows
The Breaks — with Julietta Singh
No full textJulietta is the author of three books: No Archive Will Restore You (Punctum Books, 2018), Unthinking Mastery: Dehumanism and Decolonial Entanglements (Duke UP, 2018), and her forthcoming work of epistolary nonfiction, The Breaks (Coffee House Press and Daunt Books Originals, 2021). She is Associate Professor of English and Gender Studies at the University of Richmond, where she teaches courses on decolonial literature, the ecological humanities, and queer studies. Her academic work has been published in South Atlantic Quarterly, Women & Performance, Social Text, Cultural Critique, and Studies in Gender and Sexuality, among others. She is the recent recipient of a 2019-2020 ACLS Burkhardt Fellowship, which she held at Columbia University\u27s Institute for Research on Women, Gender and Sexuality.Her first work of creative nonfiction, No Archive Will Restore You, was featured in venues such as The Los Angeles Review of Books Radio Hour, Lambda Literary, and The Advocate, and was selected as a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award and a CLMP Firecracker Award in Creative Nonfiction. Her new book, The Breaks, takes the form of a letter to her young daughter about race, inheritance, and mothering at the end of the world. It will be released in September, 2021.Resources:— Julietta\u27s website: www.juliettasingh.com/ — Unthinking Mastery: www.dukeupress.edu/unthinking-mastery — No Archive Will Restore You: punctumbooks.com/titles/no-archiv…ill-restore-you/ — The Breaks: chbooks.com/Books/T/The-Break
Book Review: "Mystic Echoes: Stories Rooted in Sikh Spiritual Realms" (Book Author: Dr. Devinder Pal Singh; Book Reviewer: Prof. Hardev Singh Virk)
No full textDr. Devinder Pal (DP) Singh joined the Physics Department in 1983 as an Ad-hoc Lecturer to teach Physics and complete his doctorate degree in Physics (Acoustics). I found him as a dedicated teacher and researcher. Upon moving to Canada as an immigrant, he initiated a new venture, the “Center for Understanding Sikhism”. A similar organization, the “Institute for Understanding Sikhism,” was established in 1999 by Dr. D. S. Chahal in Montreal. I was perplexed as to why a hardcore physicist was meddling in Sikhism. My curiosity was satisfied after reviewing his book, “Science and Sikhism: Conflict or Coherence.” I started rating him as one of the greatest exponents of Sikhism (Sikhi) in the modern age.
The Foreword “A Sacred Mirror: Seeing Ourselves Through Sikh Narratives” is by Bhai Harbans Lal, Ph.D., D. Litt (Hons). Bhai Lal appreciates the technique used by D. P. Singh: “It brings the living essence of Gurbani into our day-to-day existence. These are not abstract theological exercises, nor are they simply nostalgic tales of rural life. Instead, they are powerful spiritual parables, immersive narratives that reveal how the universal truths embedded in Sikh teachings manifest in the hearts, struggles, and transformations of everyday people”.
The author introduces his UNIQUE work in the Preface “Bridging the Temporal and the Timeless” as follows: “The stories in Mystic Echoes: Stories Rooted in Sikh Spiritual Realms emerge from the convergence of profound spiritual reflection, lived experience, and the enduring resonance of Sikh philosophy. They are not merely works of fiction, but narrative expressions of spiritual truths rooted in the teachings of the Sikh Gurus”. Further, D. P. Singh explains the relevance and importance of chosen topics: “Each story in Mystic Echoes is an attempt to explore a specific spiritual theme from within the Sikh tradition: Naam (Divine Name), Hukam (Divine Order), Haumai (Ego), Maya (Worldly Illusion), Raza (Divine Will), Sunn (Primal Void), Sahaj (Equilibrium), Bhaau and Bhae (Devotional Love and Reverent Fear), Nadar (Grace), Wismad (Wondrous Bliss), Anhad Naad (Unstruck Melody), Chautha Pad (Fourth State), Dasam Duar (Tenth Gate), Panj Tat (Five classical elements), and Daya (Compassion) among others
Book Review: "Mystic Echoes: Stories Rooted in Sikh Spiritual Realms" (Book Author: Dr. Devinder Pal Singh; Book Reviewer: Prof. Hardev Singh Virk)
No full textDr. Devinder Pal (DP) Singh joined the Physics Department in 1983 as an Ad-hoc Lecturer to teach Physics and complete his doctorate degree in Physics (Acoustics). I found him as a dedicated teacher and researcher. Upon moving to Canada as an immigrant, he initiated a new venture, the “Center for Understanding Sikhism”. A similar organization, the “Institute for Understanding Sikhism,” was established in 1999 by Dr. D. S. Chahal in Montreal. I was perplexed as to why a hardcore physicist was meddling in Sikhism. My curiosity was satisfied after reviewing his book, “Science and Sikhism: Conflict or Coherence.” I started rating him as one of the greatest exponents of Sikhism (Sikhi) in the modern age.
The Foreword “A Sacred Mirror: Seeing Ourselves Through Sikh Narratives” is by Bhai Harbans Lal, Ph.D., D. Litt (Hons). Bhai Lal appreciates the technique used by D. P. Singh: “It brings the living essence of Gurbani into our day-to-day existence. These are not abstract theological exercises, nor are they simply nostalgic tales of rural life. Instead, they are powerful spiritual parables, immersive narratives that reveal how the universal truths embedded in Sikh teachings manifest in the hearts, struggles, and transformations of everyday people”.
The author introduces his UNIQUE work in the Preface “Bridging the Temporal and the Timeless” as follows: “The stories in Mystic Echoes: Stories Rooted in Sikh Spiritual Realms emerge from the convergence of profound spiritual reflection, lived experience, and the enduring resonance of Sikh philosophy. They are not merely works of fiction, but narrative expressions of spiritual truths rooted in the teachings of the Sikh Gurus”. Further, D. P. Singh explains the relevance and importance of chosen topics: “Each story in Mystic Echoes is an attempt to explore a specific spiritual theme from within the Sikh tradition: Naam (Divine Name), Hukam (Divine Order), Haumai (Ego), Maya (Worldly Illusion), Raza (Divine Will), Sunn (Primal Void), Sahaj (Equilibrium), Bhaau and Bhae (Devotional Love and Reverent Fear), Nadar (Grace), Wismad (Wondrous Bliss), Anhad Naad (Unstruck Melody), Chautha Pad (Fourth State), Dasam Duar (Tenth Gate), Panj Tat (Five classical elements), and Daya (Compassion) among others
Understanding Anand - A Book Review (Book Author: Dr. Karminder Singh Dhillon)
No full textDr. Karminder Singh Dhillon is a much-acclaimed theologian, a renowned civil servant, a prolific writer and a profound
scholar of comparative religious studies. Born in 1960 at Teluk Anson, Perak, Malaysia, he retired after 32 years long
professional career in the Malaysian Civil Service. His incisive articles on Sikh theology have been regularly published in
various international journals. Currently serving as Joint Editor for the Sikh Bulletin, USA, he, with his exceptional writing style, has established himself as an eminent exponent of the Sikh doctrines. In addition, he has published about one dozen books on various aspects of Sikhi.
Dr. Dhillon’s book 'Understanding Anand' explores the Spirituality of Bliss as outlined in 'Anand,' a composition by Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, and enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) on pages 917-922, in Ramkali Raag. He emphasizes that Gurbani advocates a spirituality of Fearlessness and Contentment leading to Anand (bliss and Joy). He laments that our clergy is intent on promoting the Spirituality of Fear and the Spirituality of Asking, which is the antithesis of what Gurbani stands for. He enunciates that Gurbani's spiritually brilliant and divinely genius messages lead to Vigaas, the Spirituality of Bliss and Joy (Anand). In 'Foreword' of the book, Gyani Jarnail Singh Arshi points out that the translation methodology adopted by the author makes the messages of Anand hymns free from literal translation trends as well as snatan, vedic and yogic slants. The book includes three 'Introductory Essays,' i.e. (i)The Spirituality of Anand, (ii) The Methodology of This Book, and (iii) How to Read This Book. The book's last section elaborates on the Anand composition
Understanding Anand - A Book Review (Book Author: Dr. Karminder Singh Dhillon)
No full textDr. Karminder Singh Dhillon is a much-acclaimed theologian, a renowned civil servant, a prolific writer and a profound
scholar of comparative religious studies. Born in 1960 at Teluk Anson, Perak, Malaysia, he retired after 32 years long
professional career in the Malaysian Civil Service. His incisive articles on Sikh theology have been regularly published in
various international journals. Currently serving as Joint Editor for the Sikh Bulletin, USA, he, with his exceptional writing style, has established himself as an eminent exponent of the Sikh doctrines. In addition, he has published about one dozen books on various aspects of Sikhi.
Dr. Dhillon’s book 'Understanding Anand' explores the Spirituality of Bliss as outlined in 'Anand,' a composition by Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, and enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) on pages 917-922, in Ramkali Raag. He emphasizes that Gurbani advocates a spirituality of Fearlessness and Contentment leading to Anand (bliss and Joy). He laments that our clergy is intent on promoting the Spirituality of Fear and the Spirituality of Asking, which is the antithesis of what Gurbani stands for. He enunciates that Gurbani's spiritually brilliant and divinely genius messages lead to Vigaas, the Spirituality of Bliss and Joy (Anand). In 'Foreword' of the book, Gyani Jarnail Singh Arshi points out that the translation methodology adopted by the author makes the messages of Anand hymns free from literal translation trends as well as snatan, vedic and yogic slants. The book includes three 'Introductory Essays,' i.e. (i)The Spirituality of Anand, (ii) The Methodology of This Book, and (iii) How to Read This Book. The book's last section elaborates on the Anand composition
A Path to Truthful Living (A Way of Life based on Guru Nanak's Panj Khand of Jap Hymns) AUTHOR: Dr. D. P. Singh; REVIEWER: Dr. H.S. Virk
No full textDr. D.P. Singh is a brilliant Physicist by training, a practicing Gursikh, and a dedicated researcher of Science and Sikhism. I was wondering how a physicist would justify his new venture as the Director of the Centre for Understanding Sikhism? After reading his half a dozen books on the Sikh religion, I am fully satisfied and testify that DP Singh is one of the best Sikh theologians in the Sikh world. He has not only imbibed the spirit of Sikhi based on the core principles of the Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, but also interpreted its message for Sikhs in general and Sikh Youth in particular using scientific methodology. Dr. Bhai Harbans Lal, a celebrated Scientist and a Theologian himself, mentions briefly in the introduction that DP Singh deems it necessary to give a background of the contents of this book before the discussion of the main theme. He presents the main topics under discussion by DP Singh and elaborates on the social and cultural background in which Guru Nanak launched his revolutionary mission to reform society, which was riven by the decadent religiosity of his times. The author explains the purpose of writing “A Path to Truthful Living” in his Foreword: “This book is not a mere intellectual exercise or a scholarly treatise. It is a heartfelt exploration of Guru Nanak’s timeless teachings, presented in a way that seeks to touch the very core of our being”. The author further elaborates the central theme of his book: “The Panj Khands are five distinct domains of existence described by Guru Nanak in his profound compositions. Through the exploration of the Dharam Khand (Domain of Righteousness), Gyan Khand (Domain of Knowledge), Saram Khand (Domain of Endeavour), Karam Khand (Domain of Grace), and Sach Khand (Domain of Truth), we are encouraged to reflect on the nature of our thoughts, actions, and beliefs”
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