Vaisakhi of 1699 Editorial
More than three centuries have passed since Guru Gobind Singh’s unique feat in Anandpur during the Vaisakhi of 1699, but the event remains firmly etched in Sikh history. Even though historians may quibble over the details but there can be no denying the impact of the event, which is there for all to see. Much has been written about the dramatic events of the day but very little study has gone into how the Guru’s actions were actually the culmination of the thought of his predecessors.
Vaisakhi of 1561 By Harbans Singh Noor
In response (to hukamnamahs) congregations assembled at Goindval on the Vaisakhi of sammat 1624/1567 CE. Taking bath in the baoli, and reciting Japji was going on. Huge cauldrons (for cooking lentils and vegetables) and large griddles for baking chappatis were set. Food of various kinds was being prepared and distributed (as before seeing Guru Amar Das, it was compulsory for every visitor to eat the langar, sitting together, without observing any consideration for caste, gender or status).
Vaisakhi of 1699: A re-look By Jarnail Singh
Vaisakhi of 1699 is probably the most misunderstood event in Sikh history, both in its historical as well as philosophical perspective. The revolutionary ideas intended to protect and safeguard Sikhism for ages to come have been distorted to misrepresent Sikhism. It has been projected as if Guru Gobind Singh ‘started’ a new religion on that day.
Rationale of the Five K’s By Prof. Kulraj Singh
The Sikh symbols, popularly referred to as the Five K’s are an indispensable part of the discipline of the Order of the Khalsa, which represents the Sikh ideal of individual and social life.
Philosophic Interpretation of Sikh Symbols By Dharama Anant Singh
He who says: "Doth not nature herself teach you that it is a shame unto man to keep long hair?" I ask him: "Was it a shame unto your leader, who wore long hair? Or, is it a shame unto them who represent him so?" For it is a shame to choose the condemned fashion. Perhaps it is a shame unto foolish nature, who herself gives a thing and yet teaches to remove it.
These Are Not Symbols
The earth on that day was parched and brown, the roads were unusually deserted of the traffic and even the construction workers, otherwise so busy and undaunted by the heat, were looking for a shade to rest in. It was a very hot and humid day.
The Symbols of a Heritage By I. J. Singh
“History”, as T.S. Eliot said “has many cunning passages, contrived corridors and issues . . .”. Insofar as religions deal with people, places and events, they are amenable to historical analyses. But religions deal with a reality that transcends history — a reality that the senses cannot perceive and the intellect cannot fathom, yet with which the soul can commune.
The Significance of Male Hair By Raj Kumar Singh
Restrictions against male hair presence are so common and so firmly entrenched within our cultural mores that most of us take them for granted. We hardly consider the extent to which men must go to feel respected in modern American society. Indeed, the man who is "dressed for success" has literally hidden every square inch of hair producing skin except for his hands, face and cranium.
The Power of a Uniform By I.J. Singh
Post 9/11 the airports all over America have been swarming with uniformed armed members of the National Guard. Whether they can effectively identify each and every possible terrorist hell bent on destruction is a different matter. The guards are there to lend an aura of security.
In Honour of the Turban I.J.Singh, Surjeet Singh, W.H.McLeod and Gurbakhsh Singh
The word ‘Turban’ is derived from the ancient Persian word dulband through the Turkish tarbush. It is a common head-dress for men in Middle Eastern and South-Asian countries. As a form of head-dress it is of Semitic origin and was an essential part of the Israeli High Priest’s uniform in Moses’ day as stated in the Old Testament. In India, it is to be seen as worn by men depicted in the Ajanta caves and on the Sanchi Gateway.
What is the Worth of a Sikh’s Head Today? By I. J. Singh
History tells us that in the sixteenth century Ignatius Loyola decreed that henceforth all priests of the Jesuit order must wear a collar. He also promulgated a special code of conduct for the clergy. Why? Apparently, Ignatius wanted to organize a special cadre of people devoted solely to serve the church and its flock. He called it the “Army of Christ”. This army of shepherds was to guide and lead the flock of believers. The uniform and the code defined the army. Those who joined this army pursued a higher calling than the laity.
Sikh Symbols and Conformism By Sirdar Kapur Singh
Sardar Pushpinder Singh Puri has written a very interesting and informative article in the February issue of the Sikh Review. He informs us that the younger generation of Sikhs in Canada defines Sikhism 'in a slightly different way than it is defined in the native Punjab.'
A Sikh au Courant By I.J. Singh
We all want to be modern. There is nothing quite so distressing as to be told that one is behind the times or is clueless about the world in which he or she operates. It is worse than being poor, fat or ugly. But what is it to be modern? What does being modern mean? Let me illustrate my concerns by two little tales.
‘Modern Sikhs’: Is there such an entity? By Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev, MD
Since times immemorial the human beings have been in a race to get ahead of their peers. In order to achieve their personal short-sighted objectives; some will not even hesitate in treading over the established values of certain important aspects of life. This is especially true in the realm of religions for it is here that deliberate attempts are often made to meddle with the original codes of established religions to suit individual needs.
Bani & Bana are Inseparable: A Rejoinder By Jarnail Singh
Reading the editorial entitled ‘Bani and Bana’ in Sikh Bulletin of February 2005 was a personal disappointment for me. There is a little bit of history behind it. About three years ago when I was looking for a contact to buy books by S Gurbaksh Singh, a friend directed me towards Hardev Singh Shergill. I bought the books and along with the books he also sent me some free literature including audio tapes by Veer Bhupinder Singh.
A Question of Identity By Gurmukh Singh
A living spirit possesses the whole Sikh people, and the impress of Gobind has not only elevated and altered the constitution of their minds, but has operated materially and given amplitude to their physical frames.
