Video - Guru Granth Sahib

A twenty-eight minute English (Color-VHS/CD) documentary by Joginder Kalsi of Canada produced and released in 2001 is a very timely and excellent initiative. Efforts of the producer in collecting the materials and the support he received from a galaxy of contemporary Sikh scholars for are admirable.

Sikhs have started celebrating the 400th Anniversary of Compilation of Guru Granth Sahib that falls in 2004. The message of Guru Granth Sahib is for humanity and it is for the Sikh Diaspora to share it with others. This documentary is an excellent tool, not only to introduce Guru Granth Sahib to non-Sikhs, but also to whet their appetite and curiosity to know more about the sublime and unique teachings of Guru Granth Sahib.

Technically it is a very well done job, and the sound, music, and photography is excellent. The editing was judiciously done and Sikh practices are correctly depicted. For example, if it is stated that women have equal status, then women are shown participating in akhand path, and in depiction of pangat, langar, sewa and kirtan. The setting up of the Guru’s room in a Sikh residence is inspiring. Two important milestones in human life – marriage and death - are very nicely covered with emphasis on Sikh teachings for the occasion.

The universal nature of Sikh teachings are expressed by stressing the fact that even those saints who did not adhere to the Sikh faith have been included in the Guru Granth Sahib since their teachings emphasized the oneness of God. Guru Granth Sahib is thus unique among religious Scriptures for its message is truly non-denominational and non-sectarian.

The documentary considers four questions: Teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, its history, compilation and significance of the teachings in our daily lives. The relevance and necessity of the ten Sikh gurus in human form leading to the eternal Shabad Guru is brought out very well. Considering the length (28 minutes), answers to all of these four questions are concisely addressed.

It is said that every good thing can be made better. In my opinion the focus should have been on two Sikh youth who kept the external Sikh identity instead of showing children without kesh. The issue of identity is important since it affects children as early as elementary school and the true Sikh identity should be promoted.

Also, in the galaxy of Sikh scholars, at least the writings of Late Dr. Sahib Singh should have been referred, who conclusively proved that Guru Arjan Dev ji had the original writings of the earlier four Gurus. It can be understood that some earlier paintings of Guru Nanak have been used wherein Guru Nanak Dev ji is shown in Sehli Topi, however, his aura comes out in a more inspiring way in the painting by Sardar Sobha Singh which could have been included. Again, when mentioning the theory of karma, the uniqueness of Sikh concept, in washing out the karmas of eons with Guru’s blessings must be emphasized. The Sikh concept of karma sets it apart from all other India based religions.

The narration in the voice of Gerry Birt is very impressive and the commentary script is eccellent. The documentary does not give references to quotes from contemporary authors such as Noble Laureate Ms. Pearl S. Buck, Professor H.L.Bradshaw, Ms. Dorothy Fields, Arnold Toynbee, Duncan Greenless, Macauliffe, Dr. Bittencourt and the like. Since the projected audience is non-Sikhs, such quotes with their pictures would excite more interest. Similarly, mention of UNESCO, declaring Guru Granth Sahib as the heritage of entire mankind and initiating the English Translation would be very enlightening.

My suggestion to Sikh Foundation, the distributors of these VHS/CD edition, is to include a flier giving the above information. It will greatly enhance the value of this production as a gift for non-Sikhs. Such a flier along with a list of selected websites would be a welcome value added resource.

The title of this book and its cover touched my heart. It depicts the Nishkam Sewa of washing the marble floor of Golden Temple, and that happens to be the fulfillment of a Pure Longing.

It reminded me of Ms. Pearl S. Buck who wrote about Sikhs and Guru Granth Sahib:

I have had many Sikh friends, and have always admired their qualities of character. Now that I have had time in my quiet Pennsylvania home to read their scriptures slowly and thoughtfully, I can understand why I have found so much to admire.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a source book, an expression of man’s loneliness, his aspirations, his longings, his cry to God and his hunger for communication with that being.

It speaks to me of life and death; of time and eternity; of the temporal human body and its needs; of the mystic human soul and it’s longing to be fulfilled.

Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa has experienced the sweet pangs of exuberant arrows of Gurbani (anhaele teer). We are lucky that she is an artist and she could express her heartfelt feelings in exquisite poetry.

Poem after poem is a subtle expression of different aspects of the Sikh way of life, so beautifully depicted that the reader is just mesmerized. It gives a glimpse of the universe and its creation by the One Creator. It covers history by sakhis in poetry and the daily practices of a Sikh as a person and with people. Her free verse poignant poetic style is marvelous. It teaches you the essence of each theme covered in that poem.

She has beautifully expressed the flight of soul, freed from dogmas. I was reminded of Jonathan The Sea Gull. Each and every poem needs an essay, nay a book to describe its depth of feelings and beauty.

Her poems are bold reminders of how far away we have strayed from our Guru’s teachings. She politely points out the meaning of Sikh institutions and practice like langar and sewa and the status of women and the importance of a turban, which is a Crown that every Sikh wears.

Today we are obsessed with maya (earthly riches) that they have defaced everything sublime in Sikhism. Her poem Answering the Call brought tears in my eyes. She is gracious; she calls it Longing Fulfilled. How sad it is that women were prevented from doing sewa at Darbar Sahib during the ambrosial hours. I take consolation in the fact that the pujaris at the Golden Temple did not even allow Guru Tegh Bahadur inside. These women were at least allowed to do peripheral sewa. Gurukirn has a great forgiving heart. She calls it Longing Fulfilled.

“Why do Sikhs of Indian origin not welcome Sikhs from other cultures”, she asks. The Golden temple was made with four doors to welcome everyone from all directions. Do you have an answer to Gurukirn’s question? I believe it is hypocrisy combined with an inferiority complex.

The artwork and layout of this book is simply superb. Understandably because, not only Gurukirn Kaur who is an artist, Teresa Singh another creative artist has assisted in the project.

Sikhism can be understood more from heart than head. If you are courageous enough to enjoy the pangs of Exuberant Arrows, brave enough to face the dismal reality, and are committed enough to take action, you are invited to take this capsule course in Sikhism.


Copyright©2003 Jasbir Singh Sethi. About the author