5,002 research outputs found
Professor Puran Singh: Scientist, Poet and Philosopher
No full textProfessor 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
Mohan Singh Diwana’s Gobind Gītā textbook: An Analysis on the Subversion of Varṇāśramadharm a in the Sikh Tradition
No full textThis thesis examines Mohan Singh Diwana’s Gobind Gītā textbook (GGt), focusing on its portrayal of karmayoga (path of action) within the formative period of Indian nationalist and communal politics (1920-1950). It addresses the marginalization of the Gobind Gītā (GG) and the reemergence of the GGt in Sikh intellectual spaces. This occurs against the backdrop of the politicization of the Bhagavad Gītā (BG) as a unifying text for Indian nationalist identity and the GG’s subsequent exclusion from the standardized Dasam Granth (DG) by the Sodhak Committee. I argue that Diwana contextualizes the GGt to safeguard a pluralistic vision grounded in Gurmat against interpretations of karmayoga in the BG that supported varṇāśramadharma , connecting it to a Vedānticized Indian nationalist identity formation. The thesis concludes that the GGt presents a unique understanding of karmayoga based in Gurmat (Sikh worldview) and Gursikhī (Gurmat lived experience), actively rejecting the socioreligious institution of varṇāśramadharma (hierarchical sociopolitical system). This thesis employs a historical hermeneutic approach and comparative literary analysis by focusing on chapter three “Karmayoga da updesh” of the GGt, analysing Diwana’s introduction, verses, and biography. The concept of kathā (dialogical exposition) is also used to understand the GGt’s structure and its critique of varṇāśramadharma . This thesis begins by contextualizing GGt's emergence, while outlining the argument and methodology. Then, this thesis explores karmayoga in the Bhagavad Gītā to establish its textual connection with varṇā śramadharma and to contextualize its role in nationalist interpretations. Next, this thesis analyzes the GGt’s portrayal of karmayoga, arguing that it embodies Gurmat and Gursikhī through practices like nām simran (remembrance of the divine name), kīrtan (singing hymns), and kathā , alongside an egalitarian Khalsa (spiritual-military order) ethos. This thesis contributes to Sikh Studies by reinserting Diwana’s work into scholarly discourse and reasserting a Sikh pluralistic vision against prevailing varṇāśramadharma based BG interpretations
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”
Jodh Singh, the Ghadar Movement and the Anti-Colonial Deviant in the Anglo-American Imagination
No full textThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Oxford University Press via the DOI in this record.This article is a study of an early Indian anti-colonial revolutionary movement (the Ghadar Movement) through the life and testimonies of Jodh Singh. Jodh Singh straddled the worlds of official imaginaries and revolutionary realities. He was a Punjabi Sikh and had been a migrant labourer, revolutionary, turncoat and approver before being imprisoned for refusing to give evidence in a courtroom in San Francisco in 1917 and suffering a psychotic breakdown in the early weeks of 1918. The detailed interviews and analyses of Jodh Singh’s madness offer some measure of intimacy with the rank and file of the Ghadar Movement about whom very little was ever recorded or preserved. It also becomes a prism through which an understanding can be reached of the neuroses that plagued both the United Kingdom and the United States. The desire to prosecute a trans-national and trans-Pacific conspiracy about which they knew very little, resulted in Ghadar assuming a fictive, nightmarish quality in the Anglo-American imagination. And Jodh Singh, diagnosed as possessing all the degenerative qualities of the ‘homosexual type’was one such victim
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