Preface
The Annual Seminar hosted by the Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh evoked enthusiastic response from the intelligentsia and the faculties of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjabi University, Patiala and Punjab University, Chandigarh as well as distinguished scholars from abroad.
The completion of three centuries of the reign of Guru Granth Sahib has thrown open flood gates of investigative introspection of the influence of gurbani, directly and indirectly on the Sikh character and the shaping of the Sikh society. We have successfully crossed the initial hiccups in the life of a new religion in the just completed three centuries of Guru Granth Sahib to justify the confidence reposed in the Panth by the tenth Guru Gobind Singh in the in vesture of the Granth as the guide and mentor of the community. The period of three hundred years is rather a short span when considered in relation to the world religions like Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Jainism, when the intellectuals engaged their efforts at conclaves and conferences to identify the values of their respective dogmas.
Our participants in the Seminar covered a wide spectrum of theology, historical, political and societal aspects and ethical values of the philosophy of Guru Granth. Each and every paper presented by the scholars gives vivid insight into the role of gurbani in sustaining the lofty spirit of Sikhism through the eventful three centuries. It reflects the maturity of the early generations of the Sikhs who formulated and instituted the moral values and ethics of the community which culminated in the established code of conduct.
We present the tome of the distinguished scholars for the benefit of serious students and the lay readers with the hope that the contents will be found enlightening and help in studies for further research in the projected fields.
Valuable assistance rendered by S Gurcharan Singh and Dr Birendra Kaur is acknowledged in correction of the material and Mr Jaswant in typing it for presentation in book form.
Gajindar Singh
Editor
Chandigarh
April 3, 2009
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