Sikh Gurus: Their Lives and Teachings

by Kartar Singh Duggal

Popular summary of the lives of the Gurus and backon the emergence of Sikhism. includes some excerpts from the Guru Granth Sahib, occasionally romanized gurmukhi text.

Genres: India

251 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Kartar Singh Duggal (1 March 1917 – 26 January 2012) was an Indian writer who wrote in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and English. His works include short stories, novels, dramas and plays. His works have been translated into Indian and foreign languages. He has served as Director, All India Radio.[1][2]

Reviews

[Sarneet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had this book at home for a while and I’m glad I finally got around to reading it.

Lots of the stories are ones I have heard throughout my childhood, but it was helpful to read them chronologically and to understand the details of the lives and teachings (and the unique characteristics) of each of the Gurus.

I love the basic tenants of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his communist vibe - 1) there is no Hindu or Muslim (aka treat everyone the same regardless of religion or difference), 2) one must work and share one’s earnings, and 3) an active life is superior to a contemplative life (aka DO something with your life). While I have qualms with organized religion, I am grateful to have grown up in a religion that preaches such things at the core even if people may fail to practice them in reality.

[Tyler Mallari · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far my favorite book on Sikhism. Duggal lucidly paints the lives of the 10 Sikh gurus and ends each chapter with selections from the Granth attributed to each guru and ends the book with more excellent selections from the Granth.