Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh religion, was born on 1469. He declared that there was only one God. He traveled far and wide to spread the Word of God. In his own inimitable way, he used subtle persuasion, humour, sarcasm and even admonition to spread the message that everyone, the rich and the poor, man and woman, had equal status in His Court. He fought a tireless battle against ritualism. He dismantled the manmade barriers of caste and creed and established a religion that has twenty-three million followers worldwide. This book studies the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, reflected in his compositions. Special stress has been laid on discussing the morning prayers, Japji, the establishment of the institutions of Sangat and langar and the Guru's message for improving the status of women. Reproductions of rare eighteenth century miniature paintings and line drawings, and of a series from a nineteenth century Janamsakhi that has never been published before, have been used to illustrate the life of Guru Nanak. Maps depicting the travels of Guru Nanak help give a clearer picture of his travels.
Roopinder Singh writes for a living. As a journalist he is Senior Associate Editor with The Tribune, Chandigarh, India. He is also the author of Guru Nanak: Jivan Aur Shishae (Hindi-2007); Guru Nanak: His Life and Teachings (2004) and Marshal of the Indian Air Force, Arjan Singh DFC (2002). He is co-author of Sikh Heritage: Ethos and Relics (2012). All this books have been published by Rupa Publications India. Roopinder also edited Giani Gurdit Singh 1923-2007, a festschrift in the honour of the late Giani Gurdit Singh, published by Sahit Parkashan in 2008. He lives and works in Chandigarh.
This read is must for people who believe that religion can change way of living. This book gives clear concept of 'Sikh' religion which Guru Nanak ji himself propounded and established this great religion. This book tells the reader how Guru Nanak ji established this religion by facing insurmountable taboos of other religions. Teaching of japji i.e. pray to god but be involve in domestic responsibility was the focal point.
I found this book to be easy to read and informative. I think one mark of a good book is that it makes you want to read more by the author and on the topic. And I do! My gratitude to the author for his work on this book.