Institute for Understanding Sikhism
The Research Journal Institute for Understanding Sikhism
The Research Journal

JOURNAL ARTICLES

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

The Tercentenary Of Khalsa

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

EDITORIAL
An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

An Appraisal Of A People's Celebration

Saran Singh, Editor, The Sikh Review, Calcutta

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

Anandpur symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice. It is forever dedicated to the triumph of human spirit over the physical body - as witnessed on Vaisakhi day three hundred years ago.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Vaisakhi 1999 In The Uk

Dr W Owen Cole

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

It describes the celebration of Tercentenary of Khalsa in UK.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Khalsa Panth: Challenges Of Twenty First Century

Dr Bhai Harbans Lal, PhD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

At the time of its tercentenary celebration the Khalsa Panth is going through a major transition towards its renaissance in the twenty-first century. The present strengths and deficiencies are analyzed.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

As Conducted On The Vaisakhi Day In 1699 Ce Guru Gobind Singh’s Unique Type Of Experiment Ushered The Universally Meaningful Era Of Behavioral Science

Prof. Amar Singh Dhaliwal, PhD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

The present research based paper hinges around the theoretically, as well as, philosophically and epistemologically sound postulate. Its main stress is that Sikhism . . .

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Sikhism: From Guru Nanak 1469 To Vaisakhi 1999 And Beyond Vaisakhi 2000

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

It describes briefly the Nanakian Philosophy, progression and regression of Sikhism from 1469 to 1999 and a tentative line of action for further discussion.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Is There Any Place For Ritualism And Idolism In Sikhism?

Dr Sarjeet Singh Sidhu, MBBS; MRCOG

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

This article attempts to highlight some of the extraneous and unacceptable ritualism and idolism that have crept into Sikhism.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Editorial Policy Of The Journal

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Discussion Section

An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Is There A Place For God In Constitution

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

NEWS & VIEWS
An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Tension Between Reason And Faith

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

NEWS & VIEWS
An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Canadian Postal Stamp Issued On April 19, 1999 To Coincide With Tercentenary Of Khalsa

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

NEWS & VIEWS
An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 2

Letters To The Editor

An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Inaugural Issue

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

EDITORIAL
An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Why This Research Journal?

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

It emphasizes the need of the research journal to interpret Gurbani and represent Sikhism in their real perspective.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

False Is Taken To Be True

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

During the 15th century Guru Nanak founded a scientific and logical religion in the world for the benefit of the humanity. In the past, Sikhism has been wrapped in a cocoon woven with the silken fibers of ancient writings where some false information was taken as true by the writers of that time. Now Sikhism is being interpreted by many scholars and preachers along the lines of these ancient writings without looking into their authenticity and validity according to Gurbani, science, and logic - the touchstones of truth.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

System For Referencing Bani From The Granth: The Sikh Holy Scriptures.

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

As is clear from the wording used in knitting the caption itself, the pinpointed purpose of this research – based article is twofold. Firstly, it presents historical verifiable and demonstrable evidence to confirm the postulate that even up to the present time, we have not been able to develop a perfectly agreed system for referencing of Bani from the Granth, the Sikh Holy Scriptures. Secondly, it aspires to work out that type of system which will have to be employed uniformly by all the prospective writers who will like to contribute their valuable research articles for this Journal or for any other.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

New Nanakshahi Calendar

S. Pal Singh Purewal

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

A new Nanakshahi Calendar has been prepared. The Calendar Reform Committee under the aegis of the Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh, recommended some changes. In this article these changes and why they were necessary are discussed. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar has decided to implement the new Reformed Nanakshahi Calendar from 1999 CE. For ready reference the New Nanakshahi Calendar has been tabulated in such a way that all important events can be easily figured out.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

New Nanakshahi Calendar. Calendar Without Text.

S. Pal Singh Purewal

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

An abstract is not available. Please read the pdf for the full paper.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Sikhism: The Scientific Religion For The Mankind

Prof. Hardev Singh Virk

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

Religion and science are both engaged in the exploration of truth. Religion explores consciousness while the science explores material aspects of Nature. Sikh religion has the distinction of combining the material and spiritual aspects of Nature. Reality has dual nature in science and religion. Sikh cosmology as enunciated in the Aad Guru Granth Sahib has been found to be most scientific and compatible with the modern theories of science. Guru Nanak used both inductive logic and rationality in preaching his mission.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Nanakian Philosophy For World Peace

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

The peoples of our globe hate each other, because of their region or religion and of differences in their economy. Science has contributed a lot for the betterment of human life but played insignificant role to keep peace in the world. Although the religions are much older than the science, they have also failed to bring peace for the humanity. I envisage that if science and religion are put together peace can be established on this globe. The Nanakian philosophy, having universal acceptability, has much to add to bring peace on this tiny planet, the earth.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Guru Nanak’s Pathway To Spirituality

Dr Jasjit Singh Walia

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

It is natural for us, the human beings, to ask two fundamental questions. Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? We feel a spiritual vacuum inside ourselves, and are, therefore, longing to become enlightened so we can find meaning and purpose of the life. We yearn for a supernatural connection to some superior divine power. We want to be at peace with ourselves. To accomplish this goal we try to seek out the most effective and the best available philosophical path so that we may be able to lead mentally and spiritually satisfying life. This communication describes a simple, convenient, effective, and divinely inspired pathway of right philosophy for righteous living, spiritual growth, and inner Enlightenment, as delineated by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Who Is A Sikh? Definition Of Sikhism.

Dr Bikram Singh Dhillon, MD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

There is not now, nor has there ever been any single definition of a Sikh, if such definition is bound within any particulars of time or place. The basis of all devotion to that which is Infinite is the sense of simultaneous wonder and humility at the human condition. Within it lie the paradoxes of our physical and spiritual identity, our limitations and our limitlessness. When we define, we wish to contain that which is being defined within the scope of those words. When we choose to define Sikhism based upon our limitations, we invariably divide and exclude whole parts of the community based upon certain dogmas that recognize parts of the truth but neglect other truths. When we choose to define based upon our limitlessness, we align our own true nature with the limitless nature of Akal Purakh (The Timeless Being). This is the path of inclusion, the path of love and the path of undivided truth. Such a definition is much more difficult to arrive at, for it demands, not a definition of words but one of individual transformation and action. In the end, this is the only definition, which serves us to act with, rather than against, the Hukm (Law) of Akal Purakh. I say this because it evolves from unconditional love and seeks all truth. It is this perspective alone which can return us to an awareness of our true spiritual nature in ascendance over our physical state. This was the message of our Guru.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Sehjdhari Sikhs And Vaisakhi Of 1699

Dr Bhai Harbans Lal, PhD

FEATURE ARTICLE:
ABSTRACT

Distinction between the Sehjdhari Sikhs and the Amritdhari Sikhs owes its historical origin to the day of the historic Vaisakhi of 1699 CE. Although Sikhs practicing Sehj have existed since the days of Guru Nanak, it is in reference to the Vaisakhi day that Sehjdhari Sikhs today are distinguished from other Sikhs primarily for not being initiated (baptized). They often do not wear some of the five kakkars and not use "Singh" as their last name. A substantial part of the Sikh community continued to be Sehjdhari Sikhs after the Vaisakhi. Guru Gobind Singh and his successor, Guru Panth, continued to love them as their own. Further, Sehjdhari Sikhs continued to play a critical role in the Sikh history. More recently, in September 1997, Sehjdhari Sikhs joined their other kin at the World Sikh Convention to reaffirm their place in the Panth and its destiny in the next century.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

The Taboo Of Halal For The Sikhss. Baldev Singh

S. Baldev Singh

NEWS & VIEWS
There are different opinions about eating of meat in Sikhism. Many scholars in favour and against eating of meat by the Sikhs have discussed this topic. This paper discusses the ignored and misinterpreted aspect of eating of Halal meat in Sikhism.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Astrology And Gurbani

Prof Devinder Singh Chahal, PhD

NEWS & VIEWS
Gurbani recorded in the Aad Guru Granth Sahib does not support any belief in astrology and future prediction by the astrologers.

1999, Volume: 1, Number: 1

Rehit Maryada And Vaak Laina.

S. Nirmal Singh Kalsi

NEWS & VIEWS
The procedure for taking Vaaks and the code of the Sikh Rehit Maryada of the SGPC is discussed.
EDITORIAL NOTE: It has been noticed that a verse read at random at the end of the Diwan in Gurdwara or of any ceremony is commonly called Vaak by some Sikhs while the others call it Hukm or Hukmnama. The Sikh Rehit Maryada published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar is using ’Vaak laina’ (taking of word), ’Hukm laina’ (taking of order or command), and ’Awaaz laina’ (taking of sound or voice) indiscriminately. Let us find out what is it? Vaak, Hukm or Awaaz. S. Manmeet Singh reported his observations on the Internet on this topic. Those observations are reproduced here. In this connection I requested S. Nirmal Singh Kalsi to give his academic views on this topic.
Devinder Singh Chahal, Editor-in-Chief.