A renowned Sikh scholar and internationally recognized expert on Calendrical Science, S. Pal Singh Purewal's outstanding contribution to Sikh history has been the Nanakshahi calendar. In the old Bikrami calendar, some gurpurabs (Sikhs' sacred days for commemorating certain events) came twice a year, and some gurpurabs did not come even once a year. Taking cognizance of these anomalies, Pal Singh Purewal took the initiative to remedy the situation. For nearly fifteen years, he toiled hard to sort out the problem. His (...) endeavor led to the creation of the Nanakshahi calendar. Announcing its release, he opined: "All communities and faiths have their own calendar as a mark of their distinct cultural identity. So, just as the Islamic world has the Hijri calendar and Hindus have the Bikrami calendar, the Sikhs will have a Nanakshahi calendar along with the common era (CE) calendar, which is in use throughout the world.". (shrink)

We normally function through the mind without knowing the mechanics of understanding. This book teaches us how to make thoughts and how to control once mind, so that we can live peaceful life and achieve the highest goal of life, i.e. self-realization. Book also deals with the fundamentals of life and spirituality. Book has written in a simple language so that most of the peoples will understand the real essence of the life. The author has discussed about the complex messages (...) of the Vedanta, in a thoughtful manner. The author discusses about Jiva, Jagat, Ishvara and Spiritual life in his book by referencing verses from the Bhagwat Gita, Vedanta and Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran in very simple language. The purpose of writing this book is to understand our intrinsic nature. Book is so enriched with the wisdom that everyone should read it at least once. (shrink)

A renowned Sikh scholar and internationally recognized expert on Calendrical Science, S. Pal Singh Purewal's outstanding contribution to Sikh history has been the Nanakshahi calendar. In the old Bikrami calendar, some gurpurabs (Sikhs' sacred days for commemorating certain events) came twice a year, and some gurpurabs did not come even once a year. Taking cognizance of these anomalies, Pal Singh Purewal took the initiative to remedy the situation. For nearly fifteen years, he toiled hard to sort out the problem. His (...) endeavor led to the creation of the Nanakshahi calendar. Announcing its release, he opined: "All communities and faiths have their own calendar as a mark of their distinct cultural identity. So, just as the Islamic world has the Hijri calendar and Hindus have the Bikrami calendar, the Sikhs will have a Nanakshahi calendar along with the common era (CE) calendar, which is in use throughout the world.". (shrink)

Everything and every word about spirituality have already been said but the practical utility of spiritual wisdom in day to day life to achieve success and live a blissful life is lacking. Spiritual wisdom not only shows us the path of salvation and freedom but also helps us to figure out the solutions for every problem in all walks of human life and civilization. Spirituality is a well-defined, scientific way to get any goal in life whether it is for justified (...) worldly desires or to fulfil the urge of salvation with a blissful route. The book is an important read for the present generation, i.e. our youth as well as the persons those who want to touch the divinity within. Due to the universal nature of Spiritual Wisdom, it is bound to be on the shelves of the coming generation as spiritual science is not something that can be restricted to any one generation. The book itself contains the aura of mysticism and a touch of the great teaching taken from the scriptures. The book will teach how spiritual wisdom may change a person’s life. (shrink)

Governance encompasses the processes by which organizations are directed, controlled and held to account. It includes the authority, accountability, leadership, direction, and control exercised in an organization. Greatness can be achieved when good governance principles and practices are applied throughout the whole organization. Ethical Governance requires that public officials adhere to high moral standards while serving others. Authentic Governance entails the systematic process of continuous, gradual, and routine personal/corporate improvement, steering, and learning that lead to sustainable high personal/corporate performance and (...) excellence. Thus authentic governance represents the ability to discern right from wrong and the commitment to do what is right, good, and proper. Benevolent governance is perceived to be for benefit of the population as a whole. Sikhism, a panentheistic religion, originated in the Punjab province of the Indian subcontinent, during the 15th century. It is one of the youngest and fifth major world religions, founded by Guru Nanak. The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism have been enshrined in the sacred scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib [1-3]. These beliefs include faith in one universal creator, unity of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for all, honest livelihood and ethical conduct while living a householder's life. Sri Guru Grant Sahib provides very useful insights for governance through religious or secular organizations, that address human rights, education, or diplomacy to end all forms of disparity/discrimination among people [4-5]. In this article, an attempt is made to understand how the doctrines of Sikhism encourage us for better governance and by which means. Whether these doctrines align with the above-mentioned forms of governance or conflict with these. It is pointed out the most of the attributes of good, ethical, authentic and benevolent governance are genuinely supported by the Sikh doctrines. The adherence to democratic and republican organizations, for providing high-quality governance, is encouraged in Sikh principles and practices. (shrink)

Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion. It was founded during the late 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. Its adherents are known as Sikhs. Currently, there are about 30 million Sikhs worldwide. Most of them live in the Indian state of Punjab. As per Sikh tradition, Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak (1469–1539) and subsequently led by a succession of nine other Gurus. Before his death, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), bestowed the status (...) of Guru to the sacred scripture of Sikhs, Adi Granth, which is presently known as Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) [1]. The Adi Granth was first compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, in 1604. Its second and final version has been the handiwork of Guru Gobind Singh, who added the hymns of his father, Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru [2], at Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, in 1705. The holy Sikh scripture, SGGS, contains 1430 pages of text in poetry form. In addition to the hymns of the six Sikh Gurus and four Sikhs, it includes hymns composed by fifteen saints (Bhagats) and eleven poet laureates (Bhats) of the Guru's court. Muslims and Hindus, Brahmins, and "untouchables" all come together in one congregation to create a universal scripture. It is a compendium of mystic, metaphysical and religious poetry written or recited between the 12th and 17th centuries in the Indian sub-continent [3]. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, through its comprehensive worldview, offers a perfect set of values and an applicable code of conduct. Its cardinal message addresses the welfare of all humans irrespective of their caste, colour, creed, culture, and religion. SGGS emphasizes love, respect, empathy, and acceptance of others' existence. It prohibits us from infringing on the freedom and rights of others. The life and works of the Sikh Gurus exemplify the practicability of these ideas. Their inter-faith dialogues highlighted that human unity and oneness could be achieved through tolerance, communication, and respect for others [4]. Besides a matchless elaboration of spirituality, Sri Guru Granth Sahib enshrines a powerful expression of the message of revolutionary ideals of social welfare, human rights, multicultural distinctness, and religious freedom. In the present era, when the threats and fear of interfaith conflicts, military aggression, terrorism, etc., have overpowered human sentiments, the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib are even more relevant to resolving all these problems. (shrink)

[In June 2022, Anayat Ullah Mugloo, a research scholar at the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, contacted Dr. Devinder Pal Singh, Director of the Center for Understanding Sikhism, Canada, to explore the legacy of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and his role in peacebuilding in South Asia. This interaction resulted in the following deliberation.].

Guru Nanak has a unique position amongst the spiritual leaders, reformers and saints of India. His teachings have universal appeal and are suitable for all ages. The impact of his teachings on Indian society has been incredible. He travelled far and wide to enlighten humanity and administered his message of love, peace, social justice, religious toleration, universal fellowship and the devotion of God. He was a great thinker, a mystic and a revolutionary social reformer. In addition, he was a poet (...) and scholar of high calibre, a person of extraordinary foresight and a scientific attitude. Guru Nanak’s philosophy of social change based on his life and works is described herein. (shrink)

[In June 2022, Anayat Ullah Mugloo, a research scholar at the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, contacted Dr. Devinder Pal Singh, Director of the Center for Understanding Sikhism, Canada, to explore the legacy of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and his role in peacebuilding in South Asia. This interaction resulted in the following deliberation.].

Everything is subject to change and alteration in the world. There is nothing that is fixed and permanent. Existence is a flux and a continuous becoming. In Aad Guru Granth Sahib (AGGS), the holy Sikh scripture, the concept of impermanence of things is enunciated to make us aware of the ephemeral nature of life and the material world. It articulates that the awareness and understanding of the impermanent nature of things lead to liberation from the sorrows of human life.

Prof. Devinder Singh Chahal, an international microbiologist, having worked at various prestigious universities in India and the USA, migrated to Canada in 1975. In Canada, firstly, he worked at the University of Waterloo, Ontario and later on at Institut Armand‐Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Québec. He retired as a Professor of Industrial Microbiology in 1996. In his long career as a microbiologist, he is credited with the discovery of two new species of fungi, three scientific books, numerous research articles and (...) five patents. He has published 6 books and several articles on the scientific and logical interpretation of Gurbani. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Institute of Understanding Sikhism, Laval, Quebec. Presently, he is working as honorary Editor‐in‐Chief of "Understanding Sikhism: The Research Journal." Besides, he is a member of the Advisory Committee of SGGS Study Centre, G.N.D. University, Amritsar since 2011. He has been honoured for his services to Sikhism by several Sikh organizations e.g., SGPC, Amritsar; DSGMC, New Delhi and SGGS World University, Fatehgarh, Punjab. A renowned microbiologist and a noted Sikh theologian, Prof. Chahal, is a founder member of the School of Scientific and Logical Interpretation of Gurbani. He is committed to bringing out the truth of Gurbani, logically, rationally and scientifically. With his scientific training and devotion to Gurbani, he is eminently qualified to do so. Prof Chahal adheres that Nanakian Philosophy is perennial and universal in its approach to understand Cosmology, Nature, life and human behaviour in the present era. In his works, he portrays intellectually courageous and authentic attempts to interpret Guru Nanak's verses logically and scientifically, to create an accurate understanding of the Guru's messages. His scientific background and professional life as a scientist have undoubtedly influenced his choice of paradigm and perspective. Prof Chahal asserts that Guru Nanak, his philosophy, his bani, his Sikhi, and the Guru Granth Sahib delineate the basics befitting the 21st century. His views on various aspects of Nanakian Philosophy are presented here for the benefit of readers:. (shrink)

The process by which theological texts are understood relies on a particular hermeneutical viewpoint. In the interpretation of a text, hermeneutics considers the original medium as well as what language says, supposes, doesn't say, and implies. The process consists of several steps for attaining the best of the Scriptural author's intended meaning(s). Some important steps are outlined in the article.

In present times, Science has become more and more contiguous to philosophy due to the advent of Relativity theory and Quantum Mechanics. Relativity has modified our concepts of mass, length, force, law of addition of velocities and simultaneity and has given a new interpretation of the laws of conservation of energy and momentum. It has demonstrated the inner necessity of the idea of dialectic contradiction in the theoretical development of the contents of physics. Quantum Mechanics has continued what began with (...) the theory of relativity. It rejects unlimited detailing of objects in space and of phenomena in time. The concept of energy, momentum and angular momentum have now to take into account the possibility of quantization and the limitations imposed by the uncertainty relations. It has shown that the basic laws of nature are statistical and that the probabilistic form of causality is the fundamental form. It lays emphasis on relations of qualitatively different dialectic types, like the relations of complementarity and relations of interference. In the article, an attempt is made to show that these theories have called for a drastic revision of the seminal kernels of the traditional philosophy of science. (shrink)

Equality for All: Islam articulates equal rights for all living beings, including animals and birds, and refers to these as communities. “The earth He has assigned to all living creatures” (HQ, 55:10); "There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you...then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered” (HQ, 6:37); "And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women." (HQ, 2:228) (...) Muslims’ main pillar of worship, Ibadah, is prayer. Congregational prayer is performed in rows where all men stand before God as equals. There is no special place for the rich or powerful; the meek and poor are not relegated to the back lines. Each man bows his head in humility, knowing that his brothers on either side of him are equally important in the sight of God. (shrink)

God refers to a supernatural or divine being who is the universe's creator and ruler and is often seen as the ultimate source of moral and spiritual authority. Different cultures and religions have different beliefs and ideas about God. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, described various names and attributes of God, symbolized as "ੴ” (Ik Onkar) in his compositions. This article attempts to describe the concept of God as outlined in Guru Nanak’s hymns. It is pointed out that Guru (...) Nanak's hymns emphasize God's transcendental nature, which is described as formless, eternal, omnipresent and beyond human comprehension. However, he focuses on a personal and accessible relationship with the Divine, where individuals can connect with God through devotion, meditation, and leading a virtuous life. An important spiritual aspect of Guru Nanak’s concept of God is his description of the realization of God, often referred to as "union with the Divine" or "spiritual realization." By promoting the principles of equality, compassion, and service to humanity through his concept of an all-loving, compassionate God, Guru Nanak asserts that by following these values, individuals can experience a closer connection with God and ultimately achieve spiritual enlightenment. (shrink)

The Sikh community, with its rich history and profound spiritual teachings, stands at a critical juncture in the 21st century. Today, more than ever, Sikhs need visionary leadership to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. Visionary leaders are known for their foresight, creativity, and strategic thinking, which allows them to anticipate future trends and opportunities while guiding their organization or team in that direction. For Sikhs, such leadership entails guiding the community through contemporary challenges and ensuring that the (...) foundational principles of Sikhism, justice, equality, service, and humility, are upheld and promoted. (shrink)

The Sikh identity, represented by the Khalsa, is deeply rooted in unity, equality, and selfless service. Sikhs, known for their resilience, spirituality, and commitment to justice, have historically taken leading roles during challenging times. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, the need for a Global Sikh Renaissance has become more urgent. A key driver of this renaissance can be "Khalsa Synergy"—the collective unity and action of the global Sikh community. Through Khalsa Synergy, Sikhs can reconnect with their roots (...) while addressing modern challenges, ensuring that the core principles of Sikhism—Naam (spirituality), Kirat (honest living), and Vand Chhako (sharing with others)—are both preserved and adapted innovatively to meet contemporary needs. Understanding Khalsa Synergy: Khalsa Synergy refers to the harmonious collaboration among Sikhs worldwide to leverage their collective potential. "Khalsa," introduced by Guru Gobind Singh, embodies the virtues of purity, courage, and selflessness, representing a collective spirit that transcends individualism. On the other hand, Synergy emphasizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This concept allows Sikhs from diverse social, economic, or geographical backgrounds to work together toward common goals, such as addressing inequality, promoting education, advocating for environmental sustainability, and striving for global peace. (shrink)

Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion. It was founded during the late 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. Its adherents are known as Sikhs. Currently, there are about 30 million Sikhs worldwide. Most of them live in the Indian state of Punjab. As per Sikh tradition, Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak (1469–1539) and subsequently led by a succession of nine other Gurus. Before his death, the tenth SikhGuru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), bestowed the status of (...) Guru to the sacred scripture of Sikhs, Adi Granth, which is presently known as Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) [1]. The Adi Granth was first compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, in 1604. Its second and final version has been the handiwork of Guru Gobind Singh, who added the hymns of his father, Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru [2], at Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, in 1705. The holy Sikh scripture, SGGS, contains 1430 pages of text in poetry form. In addition to the hymns of the six Sikh Gurus and four Sikhs, it includes hymns composed by fifteen saints (Bhagats) and eleven poet laureates (Bhats) of the Guru's court. Muslims and Hindus, Brahmins, and "untouchables" all come together in one congregation to create a universal scripture. It is a compendium of mystic, metaphysical and religious poetry written or recited between the 12th and 17th centuries in the Indian sub-continent [3]. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, through its comprehensive worldview, offers a perfect set of values and an applicable code of conduct. Its cardinal message is addressed to the welfare of all humans irrespective of their caste, color, creed, culture, gender and religion. SGGS emphasizes love, respect, empathy, and acceptance of others' existence. It prohibits us from infringing on the freedom and rights of others. The life and works of the Sikh Gurus exemplify the practicability of these ideas. Their inter-faith dialogues highlighted that human unity and oneness could be achieved through tolerance, communication, and respect for others [4]. Besides a matchless elaboration of spirituality, Sri Guru Granth Sahib enshrines a powerful expression of the message of revolutionary ideals of social welfare, human rights, multicultural distinctness, and religious freedom. In the present era, when the threats and fear of interfaith conflicts, military aggression, terrorism etc., have overpowered human sentiments, the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib are even more relevant to resolving all these problems. (shrink)

Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, contains numerous references to the worship of the divine in Nature. The Sikh scripture declares that human beings' purpose is to achieve a blissful state and be in harmony with the Earth and all creation. Millions of Sikhs recite Gurbani daily wherein the divine is remembered using the symbolism from Nature, esp. air, water, sun, moon, trees, animals, and the Earth. The human mind loses communion with Nature and ultimately with (...) God by being self-conceited. It causes misery all around, is a repeated assertion of Sikhism. The contemporary environmental crisis is an outcome of the actions of such a self-conceited human mind. By affirming God's immanence and His presence in the creation, the Sikh religion imparts the spirit of self-righteousness to the entire subject of Nature. Sikhism is a remarkable religious and cultural phenomenon; several important themes emerge within its universe of beliefs. On the ecological front, the theology of Sikhism suggests that humans must live in harmony with Nature. The Sikh Gurus exemplified many of these teachings, and their examples continue to inspire contemporary social, religious, and environmental leaders in their efforts to protect the planet. In this presentation, the prime environmental teachings of Sikhism are shared with the community. (shrink)

Artificial Intelligence refers to developing computer systems and machines that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. AI is an evolving field, and researchers and engineers continue to explore and develop new techniques and technologies to enhance its capabilities. The impact of AI on religions is not entirely predictable. AI is likely to affect religions or be affected by them in various ways, some of which are already becoming apparent. As with any new technology, it is up to individuals (...) and religious communities to decide how to incorporate AI into their beliefs and practices. It is worth mentioning that the mutual relevance of Sikhism and AI is likely to be complex and multifaceted. It will depend on how AI is developed, implemented, and used and the attitudes and beliefs of individual Sikhs and the Sikh community. (shrink)

Patience: Patience (or forbearance) is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances. It means persevering in the face of provocation without acting in anger or exhibiting tolerance when under stress. It is also a character trait of being steadfast. Almost everyone recognizes a need for more patience at times. It is a fruit of God's grace and an essential key to better relationships with God and fellow man. Patience not only helps to protect our minds and emotions, but it can (...) also guide us to think and view the struggle of life in a proper manner. Ibnul Qayyim [24-25], a noted Islamic scholar, has opined that our happiness in the present life and our redemption in the Hereafter depends on patience. In Islam, the importance of patience by disciples is never underestimated. The Holy Quran says, "Verily! I have rewarded them this Day for their patience; they are indeed the successful ones." (HQ, 23:111); "...to be firm or patient in pain or suffering, and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing." (HQ, 2:177); "Allah surely loves those who are the Sabireen (patient)." (HQ, 3:146); "And be patient; indeed Allah is with the patient ones." (HQ,8:46) Similarly, in Sikhism, the significance of patience has been emphasized time and again. Describing the attributes of a God-Conscious being, Guru Arjan Dev reports in his hymns. That such a person is ever in a state of steady patience and bliss. "The God-conscious being has steady patience." (Mehl 5, SGGS, p 272); "One whom He blesses with patience becomes blissful."(Mehl 5, SGGS, p 887). Shaikh Farid, a saint-poet of SGGS, stresses that one must imbibe patience in one's life to live it perfectly. "Let patience be your purpose in life; implant this within your being." (Shaikh Farid, SGGS, p 1384); "Make patience the arrow, the Creator will not let you miss the target." (Shaikh Farid, SGGS, p 1384). (shrink)

Sikhism, the fifth-largest organized religion [1] in the world, was founded in the fifteenth century in Punjab, India. Guru Nanak Dev and his successor Sikh Gurus established this system of religious philosophy. The sacred scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib [2-3], is the present Guru of the Sikhs. The religious philosophy of Sikhism is traditionally known as Gurmat. Sikhism originated from the word Sikh, having the Sanskrit root śiṣya meaning "disciple" or "learner." With about 27 million followers or 0.39% of the (...) world population [4], approximately 83% of the Sikhs live in India. Islam is the religion articulated by the Holy Quran [5-6], a religious book. Its adherents consider it the verbatim word of the one incomparable God (Allah). Muslims live by following the demonstrations of the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad, and real-life examples (Sunnah). The Sunnah has been collected through the narration of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad's companions in the Hadith collections. Islam means submission to God. The word Islam is derived from the Arabic word "Salam," which means peace. With about 1.7 billion followers, or 23% of the global population [7-8], Islam is the second-largest religion by the number of its adherents. Despite being different religions, Sikhism and Islam share many similarities. Most of these similarities center around the notion of a single, all-powerful, and loving God. Both faiths share similar normative, social, and environmental ethics. Some of these similarities are described in this article. (shrink)

Paath-Bhed Gatha Sri Guru Granth Sahib by Giani Jagtar Singh Jachak is an exceptional work that delves into the intricate and profound historical and textual aspects of the Sikh holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Authored by a distinguished figure with extensive credentials in the Sikh community, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the textual variations in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Giani Jagtar Singh Jachak brings a wealth of experience and reverence to his work. As a (...) former Granthi at the Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar, he has a deep-rooted understanding of the spiritual practices and liturgical traditions associated with the Sikh faith. His role as an Honorary International Sikh Missionary for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), an Ambassador for Peace with the Universal Peace Federation in New York, and the Director of the Guru Granth Institute of Melbourne further enhanced his credibility and the depth of insight presented in this book. (shrink)

The Sikh Art Gallery in Montreal, housed within the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, has attracted over 200,000 visitors since its opening in 2022, becoming the most visited Sikh gallery outside India. Supported by the Sikh Foundation International and the Chadha Family Foundation, the gallery showcases historical and contemporary Sikh art, promoting cultural exchange and education. Celebrated for fostering Canadian multiculturalism, the gallery contributes to the post-pandemic revival of the museum and Montreal’s vibrant cultural landscape. The Sikh Art Gallery in (...) Montreal, part of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), has become a cultural hub since its opening in 2022, attracting over 200,000 visitors by September 2024. Established with support from the Sikh Foundation International (USA) and the Chadha Family Foundation (Canada), it has become the most visited Sikh gallery outside of India, with 208,289 visitors in 2023 alone. This success has positioned the gallery as a significant milestone in promoting Canadian multiculturalism, celebrated even by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for contributing to intercultural understanding. (shrink)

Truth (sach), a fundamental concept in Sikhism, has different meanings depending on its context. Truth stands for God, the Eternal Existence. It also means virtue and includes qualities such as humility, compassion, honesty, righteousness, justice, equality. Another meaning of Truth is something pure, holy, sacred, correct, and appropriate. It also means eternal happiness or bliss. Guru Nanak, in his hymns, enunciates about the Truth and the way to live a truthful life in harmony with the hukam (Divine Will). He declares (...) that a holy congregation is a place for the realization of Truth. A disciple realizes the Truth by leading a virtuous life in the community’s service. The Guru articulates that the Truth cures all maladies and washes all sins from the disciple’s mind. The embellishment of Truth reveals itself in the excellent character and personality of the disciple. Such a person is called Sachiara (Truthful being) in Gurbani. Thus, Sachiara is a person who is imbued with the Eternal Truth (God). After achieving the Eternal Truth’s realization through reflection, contemplation, intuition and action, such a person ultimately merges in it. In this article, the concept of Sachiara, its various representations in Gurbani, its role in the Global Context and the way to be a Sachiara (Truthful being) is described. (shrink)

Nature, a treasure trove of wisdom, is a great teacher of amazingly priceless life lessons to live a happy and worthwhile life. It speaks to us through its various phenomena. Gurbani helps up to decode Nature's invaluable lessons. Gurbani enunciates that Nature helps us to develop compassion and inner balance. It also guides us to help others to lead better lives. The interplay of five classical elements-air, water, fire, earth and akasha is the fundamental cause of all-natural phenomena. Let us (...) reflect on some of the social, ethical and spiritual lessons being provided by these. (shrink)

Truthful living involves aligning one’s thoughts, words, and actions with the ultimate truth. It is a way of living in accordance with one’s true nature, being honest, living with integrity, and practicing humility and selflessness. Sikhism emphasizes the importance of truthful living as a life of purpose, service, and ethical behaviour. It is a pathway of connecting with the Divine and achieving spiritual growth and fulfillment. According to Sikh doctrines, truthful living is a holistic approach to life that emphasizes spiritual (...) growth and fulfillment through ethical and sustainable living. Moreover, it is crucial in the modern context because it promotes trust, transparency, accountability, social justice, equality, sustainability, and environmental protection. By living with honesty and integrity, individuals and institutions can create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for future generations. (shrink)

Guru Nanak occupies a unique place amongst the spiritual leaders, reformers and saints of India. His teachings have a universal appeal and they hold good for all ages. He was a great thinker, a wonderful mystic, and a distinguished social reformer. He was a revolutionary prophet, a litterateur of high calibre and a person of extraordinary foresight. In addition to all this, Guru Nanak was a prophet with a scientific attitude. In this article, Guru Nanak's anti-dogmatic outlook and his attitude (...) of questioning the established irrational beliefs, superstitions and illogical traditions are described, taking instances from his hymns and his life events. (shrink)

Our Universe is dotted with over 100 billion galaxies, and each one contains roughly 100 billion stars. It is unclear how many planets are orbiting these stars, but it is certain that at least one of them has evolved life. In particular, there is a life form that has had the capacity and audacity to speculate about the origin of this vast universe2. Humans have been staring up into space for thousands of generations, to have a rational and coherent description (...) for the creation and evolution of the universe. Bhagat Kabir, a saint-poet of Sri Guru Granth Sahib raises a very pertinent question in this regard; ਓਇ ਜੁ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਅੰਬਰਿ ਤਾਰੇ ॥ ਕਿਨਿ ਓਇ ਚੀਤੇ ਚੀਤਨਹਾਰੇ ॥ ੧ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਰੇ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਅੰਬਰੁ ਕਾ ਸਿਉ ਲਾਗਾ ॥ ਬੂਝੈ ਬੂਝਨਹਾਰੁ ਸਭਾਗਾ ॥ (ਗਉੜੀ ਕਬੀਰ ਜੀ, ਸਗਗਸ, p 329) The stars which are seen in the sky , who is the painter who painted them? ||1|| Tell me, O Learned person, what is the sky attached to? Very fortunate is the person who knows this. (Gauree, Kabir Ji, SGGS, p 329) Gurbani offers an elegant explanation of the origin and creation of the universe, making it one of the greatest achievements of human intuition, intellect and spirit. It is the consequence of an insatiable curiosity, a fabulous imagination, keen observation and logical thinking. Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, in his hymns of Jap(u), Aasa di Var, Sidh Gosht and Maru Sohilé, and Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh guru, in his hymns of Gauree Sukhmani have enunciated incredible understanding of the mystery of creation. It is fascinating to note that some of the concepts/ideas expressed in these hymns were not known to modern science until the eighteenth century. In this way, one can safely observe that the Sikh Gurus’ ideas were the forerunner of the modern scientific tradition. The ideas about the physical world (Creation), as presented in these hymns and discussed hereafter, might help us to confirm the above premise. (shrink)

Prof. (Dr.) Balwant Singh Dhillon, a much-acclaimed Sikh-historian, a dedicated researcher, a prolific writer, and a profound scholar of religion, was born in 1950, at Village Ran Singh Wala, District Faridkot, Punjab, India. With his keen interest in learning, he received a B.A. degree from SGGS College, Chandigarh, in 1972, and an M.A. (History) degree from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur in 1974. During his younger days, he nurtured a keen interest in sports. On attaining the National Level Athlete ranking, (...) he was enthusiastic about pursuing a career in sports. Thereby, he joined Master Course for Coaching in athletics at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, in 1974. Herein, he came in contact with Prof. Labh Singh of the Institute of Sikh Studies (IOSS, now Gurmat College), who inspired him to take up Sikh studies. This interaction brought a sea change in his life motive, and he committed himself to pursue a career in Sikh studies. After receiving M.A. (Religious Studies) degree from the IOSS in July 1976, he joined M. Lit. (Religious Studies) course at Punjabi University, Patiala. Here he had the opportunity to learn from several eminent scholars, e.g., Prof. Harbans Singh, Prof. Gurbachan Singh Talib, Prof. L.M. Joshi, and Dr. A.N. Sinha, etc., which made his resolve steadfast. In January 1977, he joined the Department of Guru Nanak Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, to pursue his research activities for a Ph.D. degree. In March 1985, he was awarded a Ph. D. degree by GNDU, for his outstanding research work on "The Sikh Gurus and the Mughal State." Starting, in April 1979, as a Research Assistant at the Department of Guru Nanak Studies, he rose to the position of Professor and Head of the department. He retired in June 2010. During his tenure at the university, he had also served as Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Religious Studies, Senator and Syndic of the University. As Head of the Department of Guru Nanak Studies, he played a vital role in starting the teaching of M.A. (Religious Studies and Philosophy)at GNDU, Amritsar. Under his stewardship, the research projects on "Sikh Religion and Philosophy," "Sikh History," and "Sikh Literature" were taken up, which led to a research and development grant of Rs. 3.2 Million from U.G.C., New Delhi, during 2006-2011. Dr. Dhillon was instrumental in establishing the Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib at the university, in April 2011, and served as its founding Director till February 2015. He has also served as the Editor-in-Chief for reputed Sikh research journals, "Journal of Sikh Studies" and "Perspectives on Guru Granth Sahib," published by the GNDU. In his forty years long professional career, he has been credited with authoring/publishing about a dozen books and over 100 articles in various research journals, books, and encyclopedias. Besides chairing several international seminars/conferences, he played a vital role in organizing many such events at the Department of Guru Nanak Studies and Centre on Studies in Guru Granth Sahib. He has the honour of representing India at many conferences/ seminars within Canada, America, England, Germany, and Australia. With his continuous dedication to religious studies, he has established himself as an exponent of interfaith dialogue and an eminent writer in the field of Sikh history. Through his well-researched and analytic writings, he has created an indelible mark of scholarship on his readers' minds. For his outstanding contributions in the fields of Sikh history and literature, he has been honoured by several literary and social organizations. Despite his great love and commitment to Sikh History and Religion, Dr. Dhillon subscribes to the idea that Sikh Gurus' Philosophy is perennial and universal in its approach to understand cosmology, Nature, life, and human behaviour in the present era. Furthermore, He asserts that the Sikh Gurus' ideology, its beliefs and practices, social order, worldview, and devotional pattern, as propounded in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, address the basics befitting the 21st century. His views on various aspects of Sikh history and philosophy are presented here for the benefit of readers. (shrink)

Air is one of the five classical elements, which make all the creation. We can perceive air in the things it moves, be it leaves or hair. It is an invisible mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and minute amounts of other gases surrounding the Earth. It is all around us. Yet, we cannot see it. Pure air has no odour. It has many uses. It provides a breath of life to all living beings. As, atmosphere, it prevents the excessive heat of (...) the Sun from reaching us. Oxygen, one of its constituents, supports combustion. Thereby it helps us to cook food, generate heat and electricity, run industries and drive vehicles. Its other two components, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, are essential for the growth of plants. Another beneficial constituent of air is Ozone, which in the form of the Ozone layer around our planet protects us from the adverse effects of the Sun's UV rays. Compressed air is used to fill tyres. Many machines and drills work on compressed air. Wind enables the movement of sailboats and gliders. It runs windmills to generate electricity and helps in the dispersal of seeds. Guru Arjan appreciating the priceless importance of air to all of us articulates [1-2]; He (Creator) gave you the invaluable air. (Mehl 5, SGGS, p 913). (shrink)

Some gleanings from the important utterances and historical writings about Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708 A.D.) are given below to commemorate the 339th birth anniversary of the Tenth Master. Born at Patna Sahib, he founded the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib in 1699. These quote have been specially selected in order to enable the readers to form a fair idea of the vision, mission, thought and action, achievements and contribution of the achievements of the Great Guru towards the upliftment of (...) mankind and welfare of humanity in his own inimitable way. (shrink)

The science-religion dialogue refers to the ongoing and dynamic conversation between the realms of science and religion, exploring their respective domains, methodologies, and implications. This dialogue has been a topic of interest for centuries and continues to evolve as scientific discoveries and religious interpretations develop. Artificial intelligence (AI) can facilitate science-religion dialogue by analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying common ground, and promoting respectful discussions. It can assist in translating complex scientific concepts for broader understanding and fostering a bridge between (...) differing perspectives. The intersection of AI and the dialogue between science and religion can also raise various concerns and challenges. While AI is a neutral tool, its applications and interpretations can also influence the dialogue in ways that might be perceived as harmful. This article elaborates on some potential ways in which AI could impact science-religion dialogue. (shrink)

The five classical elements of creation are also known as Panch Tattva or the basic elements of life. Within these, and through these, life has prevailed and evolved. Although various religious philosophies differ in many details, they emphasize the fundamental unity of the universe through recognizing these elements as the basis of creation. Thus, Panch Tattva's knowledge helps us transcend the notion of an isolated individual self and identify ourselves with the ultimate reality.

All the biotic and abiotic factors that act on an organism, population, or ecological community and influence its survival and development constitute its environment. Biotic factors include the organisms themselves, their food, and their interactions. Abiotic factors include such items as sunlight, soil, air, water, climate, and pollution. Organisms respond to changes in their environment by evolutionary adaptations in form and behaviour. At present humanity is facing great challenges for its survival as both these factors have come under great stress (...) due to its unbridled demands of national economic growth and individual needs and desires. Grave Crisis: On the abiotic front, a grave ecological crisis is caused by man’s exploitation of Nature, which is leading to a large scale depletion of natural resources, destruction of forests, and overuse of land for agriculture and habitation. Pollution is contaminating air, land, and water. Smoke from industries, homes and vehicles, is in the air. A smoky haze envelopes the major cities of the world. Industrial waste and consumer trash are choking streams and rivers, ponds and lakes, killing the marine life. Much of the waste is a product of modern technology. It is neither biodegradable nor reusable, and its longterm consequences are unknown. The viability of many animal and plant species, and possibly that of the humankind itself, is at stake. At the biotic level, humanity is facing a social justice crisis, which is caused by humanity’s confrontation with itself. The social justice crisis is that poverty, hunger, disease, exploitation and injustice are widespread. There are economic wars over resources and markets. The rights of the poor and the marginal are violated. Women, constituting half the world’s population, have their rights abused. Obviously, the contemporary human society is in the midst of a grave environmental crisis. There is a serious concern that the earth may no longer be a sustainable biosystem. Although human beings are seen as the most intelligent life form on earth, yet they are responsible for almost all the ecological damage done to the planet. The Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), declares that the purpose of human beings is to achieve a blissful state and to be in harmony with the earth and all of God’s creation. It seems, however, that humans have drifted away from that ideal. According to the Sikh scriptures, humans create their surroundings as a reflection of their inner state. Thus, the increasing barrenness of the earth reflects a spiritual emptiness within humans. (shrink)

The adventurous Indian spirit , took Indians to unknown lands, where they had to face untold miseries and hardships. Despite that , the soaring spirit of these pioneer immigrants was never subdued. They toiled hard, made these new lands their home and contributed to their growth and development in multifarious ways. This is also the story of human evolution. In this chain of events, the story of Komagata Maru has a special historical significance. it resonates beyond 1914, linking to freedom (...) movements in India and the right to vote for South Asians in Canada. It has helped the North Americans to move on from the insecurities of "Hindu Invasion" to the blooming of "Multiculturalism". (shrink)

In the present time, the ecological crisis is one of the gravest challenges being faced by humanity. There is a serious concern that our planet may fail to remain a sustainable biosystem in the long run. Though human beings are seen as the most intelligent life form on Earth, yet they are responsible for almost all the environmental damage done to the planet. Sikh theology emphasizes that recognizing the sacred relation between human beings and the environment is crucial for preserving (...) the health of our planet and our survival. Furthermore, Sikh doctrines emphasize that humility, surrender to the divine spirit, and maintaining a harmonious relationship with all are crucial for humanity to find a way out of its current predicament. (shrink)

The human mind is central to comprehend and manoeuvre the natural world. Though it is the crown expression of Nature in the mortal world, it is inherently inconsistent. It is often captivated by many animalistic habits. One of the animalistic habits of mind is its fickleness. Sikh theology emphasizes that one must learn how to control and transform one’s mind to come out of this condition. An individual can do so by diverting his/her mind from its feral inclinations and turning (...) it to the mind’s innate longing for spiritual enlightenment. Sikh doctrines assert that the contemplation on God (imbibing love of God in one’s life) helps restrain the mind and attain self-realization and everlasting equipoise. (shrink)

We are living in a world full of turmoil and tribulations. At the dawn of twenty first century, humanity is facing severe challenges to its very existence. The ever increasing environmental pollution the prevalence of large-scale corruption at various levels in society (esp. in underdeveloped countries) are threatening its ecological and social fabric. The monsters of drug menace and AIDS are trying to snuff out the very life breath of human beings. The rise of terrorism and political rivalries among nations (...) are threatening the world peace. In such a dismal state of affairs, the clouds of destruction are looming large over the humankind. But there is a ray of hope in the form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, for salvation of humanity from its present ills. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), a unique religious and philosophic treatise, is a sublime blueprint to establish a reign of peace and prosperity on earth. It contains many divine messages unmistakably addressed to all humankind, which remain uniquely significant for all times and have a crucial relevance to the present time as well. (shrink)

At present, amid a technological revolution, humanity is facing significant challenges for its survival. Ecological crisis is one of the gravest among these. There is a severe concern that the Earth may no longer be a sustainable biosystem. Although human beings are seen as the most intelligent life form on Earth, yet they are responsible for almost all the ecological damage done to the planet. According to the Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) [1-2], humans create their surroundings as (...) a reflection of their inner state. The current instability of the Earth's natural system is only a reflection of the instability and pain within them. The increasing barrenness of the Earth also reflects a spiritual emptiness within humans [3]. SGGS declares that human beings' purpose is to achieve a blissful state and be in harmony with the Earth and all of God's creation. It seems, however, that humans have drifted away from this ideal. The Sikh scripture tells that an attitude of humility, surrender to the Divine Spirit, and maintaining a harmonious relationship with all existence is sine-qua-non for humanity to find a way out of this dilemma. (shrink)

Guru Nanak, one of the saints of the medieval period of Indian history, occupies a unique place among the spiritual leaders, preceptors, reformers, and saints of India. His teachings have universal appeal and are good for all ages. The impact of his teachings on Indian society has been incredible. He traveled far and wide to dispense his message of love, peace, devotion to God, social justice, religious toleration, and universal brotherhood. He was a great thinker, a wonderful mystic, and a (...) distinguished social reformer. He was a revolutionary prophet, a litterateur of high caliber, and a person of extraordinary foresight and scientific attitude. Guru Nanak’s hymns, teachings, and several incidents of his life confirm these facts. (shrink)

Guru Nanak reports that there are three cardinal principles for walking upon the path of truthful living. These are Kirat Karna, Vand Chakna and Nam Japna. Kirat Karna means to earn righteously through one's own efforts. Vand Chakna is to share one's abundance and talents with others. Nam Japna means the contemplation of Truth. In his hymns, Guru Nanak exhorts Sikhs to imbibe love of God and his creation in their life, earn their living by honest labour, and share it (...) with others as; “Sing, and listen, and let your mind be filled with love (for God and His Creation).”[SGGS, 2] “One who earns by honest labour, and shares some of what he has with others, - O Nanak, he knows the true way of life.” [SGGS: 1245] In this second part of the article further elaboration on the path of truthful living is described. (shrink)

Nature, a treasure trove of wisdom, is a great teacher of amazingly priceless life lessons to live a happy and worthwhile life. It speaks to us through its various phenomena. Gurbani helps us to decode Nature's invaluable lessons. Gurbani enunciates that Nature helps us to develop compassion and inner balance. It also guides us to help others to lead better lives. The interplay of five classical elements - air, water, fire, earth, and akasha is the fundamental cause of all-natural phenomena. (...) Let us reflect on some of the social, ethical and spiritual lessons being provided by these. Nature comprises the totality of material reality that does not result from human will. It is also defined as the whole universe as a place, source, and result of material phenomena, including humans. Sikhs commonly use the term Gurbani to refer to the hymns in the holy Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Nature and Gurbani both provide very crucial lessons in the social, ethical, and spiritual spheres. Some of these lessons are outlined hereafter. (shrink)

Sikhism, a vibrant and inclusive religion, provides a rich tapestry of teachings and traditions. Introducing children to Sikhi through interactive learning and play not only enhances their understanding but also fosters a deep connection with the values and principles of Sikhism. This holistic approach engages children actively, making the learning journey enjoyable, memorable, and impactful. Given the dire need to engage in such a holistic approach, various such activities and their specific examples are described here.

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਜੀ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਨੌਵੇਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਨ, ਜੋ ਆਪਣੀ ਸਾਦਗੀ, ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਸੁਭਾਅ, ਦ੍ਰਿੜ ਇਰਾਦੇ ਅਤੇ ਲਾਸਾਨੀ ਕੁਰਬਾਨੀ ਕਾਰਣ ਯਾਦ ਕੀਤੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਹੱਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਰਾਖੀ ਲਈ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਬਲੀਦਾਨ ਨੇ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਦਾ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੋੜ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਸਮਕਾਲੀ ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਔਰੰਗਜ਼ਬ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਹਿੰਦੂਆਂ ਦੇ ਜਬਰੀ ਧਰਮ ਪਰਿਵਰਤਨ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਜਾਨ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ਕੀਤੀ। ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਇਕ ਮਹਾਨ ਕਵੀ ਅਤੇ ਚਿੰਤਕ ਵੀ ਸਨ। ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੇ 57 ਸਲੋਕਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਪੰਦਰਾਂ ਰਾਗਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਲਿਖੀ। ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਦਸਵੇਂ (...) ਗੁਰੂ, ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਇਹ ਬਾਣੀ ਆਦਿ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਿਲ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ। ਇਸੇ ਗਰੰਥ ਨੂੰ ਸਮੇਂ ਨਾਲ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦਾ ਦਰਜਾ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੋਇਆ। ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਹਰ ਜ਼ੋਖਮਮਈ ਹਾਲਤ ਵਿਚ ਵੀ ਨਿਡਰ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਸਬਕ ਸਿਖਾਉਂਦੀ ਹੈ।. (shrink)

Dr. Devinder Singh Sekhon served as a Chemistry/Educational Administration professor at various colleges/Universities in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Presently, living in Windsor, Canada, he is actively contributing to the fields of Science, Religion, and Literature. Despite being a noted chemist and educationist, he is interested in sharing his insights about religion and science. Due to this keen dedication to sharing his understanding of Sikhi doctrines with all, he authored seven books on various aspects of the Sikh way of life. (...) In addition, his about three dozen stories and two dozen articles have been published in various newspapers and magazines in India, Canada and the USA. His writings, laced with his rationalistic approach and logical outlook, have been well appreciated by his readers. Presently, he is entirely devoted to preparing an English translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. In one of my recent meetings with him, I had a chance to learn more about his contributions and insights into Sikhism. A brief write-up of the interview is being shared for the benefit of the readers. (shrink)

Sikhism is a vibrant and profound religious tradition. Its rich history, spiritual depth, commitment to equality, emphasis on selfless service, and devotion to God provide a strong foundation for inspiring the next generation to embrace this profound and enduring tradition. To ensure the continued growth and vitality of Sikhism, it is crucial to inspire and engage young people in the faith. By fostering a sense of understanding, community, and spiritual connection, we can ensure the future of Sikhism remains strong. In (...) this article, various ways are explored to inspire and encourage young individuals to embrace Sikhism. (shrink)

Artificial Intelligence refers to developing computer systems and machines that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. AI is an evolving field, and researchers and engineers continue to explore and develop new techniques and technologies to enhance its capabilities. The impact of AI on religions is not entirely predictable. AI is likely to affect religions or be affected by them in various ways, some of which are already becoming apparent. As with any new technology, it is up to individuals (...) and religious communities to decide how to incorporate AI into their beliefs and practices. It is worth mentioning that the mutual relevance of Sikhism and AI is likely to be complex and multifaceted. It will depend on how AI is developed, implemented, and used and the attitudes and beliefs of individual Sikhs and the Sikh community. (shrink)

Phenomenology and ancient Greek philosophy. The title of this book, indicating these topics as its two main subjects, could give the impression that the subjects are held together by a circumstantial “and.” The title would then indicate a connection between phenomenology and a topic, ancient Greek philosophy, the way titles such as Art and Phenomenology, Phenomenology and Psychological Research, Phenomenology and Virtue Ethics do. This impression would be wrong. First, ancient Greek philosophers take pride of place in the dialogues initiated (...) by many phenomenologists with various figures from the history of philosophy. Second, this is not just because phenomenological philosophers have tended to regard ancient Greek philosophy as the revered beginning of Western thought, reflection upon which may help illuminate any topic modern human beings wish to inquire into or give it a kind of historical dignity. It is first and foremost because ancient Greek philosophy, understood as the scientific attempt to understand the world, ourselves, and our place in the world, in the phenomenological tradition is regarded as one important origin of contemporary Western philosophy and science, even if contemporary philosophy and science is also determined by a new ideal of philosophy that emerges in early modernity. Indeed, for most phenomenologists, Greek philosophy can be regarded as the roots supporting this new ideal—even if these roots are sometimes hidden from sight or forgotten. The main rationale for confronting ancient Greek philosophy phenomenologically is accordingly the attempt to bring to light in its full radicality the phenomenon “philosophy.” Unearthing philosophy as it was originally understood by Greek thinkers may, according to many phenomenologists at least, help us understand what philosophy in the full sense of the word was, has been, and may be again, but also what it has become or even degenerated into in modern times, for instance positivism. It is this way of approaching ancient Greek philosophy that we wish to concentrate on in this book, in the hope that the volume will prove instructive both to people who have an interest in ancient Greek philosophy and wish to know more about the phenomenological approach to it and to people who work within phenomenology and wish to know more about the various approaches to ancient Greek philosophy characterizing the phenomenological movement. We have therefore sought to make the introduction and the individual chapters accessible to non-experts, for instance by transliterating all Greek text, and confining quotes in other languages than English to footnotes and glosses. (shrink)

A universal religion is a philosophical and theological concept with universal applicability regardless of culture, race, sex, religion, nationality, or another distinguishing feature [1]. A universal religion may also emphasize universal principles and inclusively accept others. Some examples of universal religions are Baháʼí Faith, Buddhism, and Christian Universalism. These religions believe in one fundamental truth that transcends the national, cultural, or religious boundaries or interpretations of that one truth. Sikhism is a religion that emerged in the Punjab province of India (...) during the 15th century. While it is not typically described as a "universal" religion in the same way that, for example, Christianity or Islam are often told, it does contain values and principles that are universal and applicable to people from all walks of life. Though there is no universally established definition of a "universal religion," some characteristics that may be associated with such a religion include Inclusivity, Universality, Tolerance, Unity, Ethical values, Spiritual Growth, Service, Education, Social Justice, and Peace. (shrink)