Textual Sources for the Study of Sikhism

by W.H. McLeod

Book Overview

"McLeod is a renowned scholar of Sikhism. . . . This book] confirms my view that there is nothing about the Sikhs or their religion that McLeod does not know and there is no one who can put it across with as much clarity and brevity as he can. In his latest work he has compressed in under 150 pages the principal sources of the Sikh religion, the Khalsa tradition and the beliefs of breakaway sects like the Nirankaris and Namdharis. . . . As often...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226560856
• ISBN13: 9780226560854
• Release Date: October 1990
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Good discussion

This is a history of Sikhism. It covers the history, the religion, and the society, as well as covers the questions involved in determining authoritative information.The history covers the Ten Gurus and the Panth. The religion section covers the doctrine, the Khalsa and its code of honor, worship, sacred writings, and different sects. The society section discusses what defines a Sikh and discusses the Sikh diaspora. Included in the appendix are excerpts from Sikh scripture. This and the list of references were very helpful in expanding understanding of this religion.I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about the Sikh religion from outside the religion. The tone of the book is that of a non-practitioner.

Solid Historical Referance Work

This book provieds a clear and concise summary of Sikh history and factions. It caused something of controversy with the Sikh community when released, as it takes a critical view of religous subjects. Very well researched. A good place to start if you want to gain an overview of Sikh history and trends.

Ek Ong Kar Sat Nam Siri Wahe Guru

"Sikhism" is an excellent, objective history and overview of the Sikh religion. It is written from an academic's perspective; as such, some observations may not sit well with a devoted follower of the religion--the same as a Christian might be uneasy with an academic treatise on Christianity. But, as another reviewer points out, the author is not disrespectful toward the Sikhs; to the contrary, I get the impression he has a certain fascination with the religion; and that feeling comes through the book. I could hardly put it down. Examples of subject matter: the author explains the origin of the Langer, or free kitchen--and why they generally serve only vegetarian food even though most Sikhs are not vegetarian. Also, the history and meaning of the beard, turban, and other outward symbols of the Sikh, are thoroughly explained. I found particularly interesting the discussion of the 10 Sikh gurus. Since they lived not so far in the past (16th-18th century?) there is actually some recorded history of their lives. The author's style is concise and easy to read. The only difficulty for this Western reader was dealing with the many unfamiliar Sikh terms. But they were necessary for understanding and not too difficult. For anyone with a serious interest in learning about the Sikhs, I highly recommend this book.

A Solid Foundation to Understanding Sihkism

I would recommend this book to people who know little about Sihkism. This well written book provided me with valuable insight into the fundamentals of the sihk religion, its cultural background and traditions. The book is written by an acedemic from a historians point of view so its provides factual, yet respectful views on the history & religion of the sihk people. The book covers all apects of Sihkism such as the lives of the 10 Gurus, the sacred scriptures, how the relgion & Sihk society developed and sihks of the disporia (those who settled in other contries (such as UK & Canada) The author has dedicated his audult life to understanding Sihkism and his love & respect for the culture comes out in the book. He does this without being emotive which so often the case when reading about Sihkism.

it was great

This book is incredalbe . It gave me new insight on the wonderful and glorous religion of sikism