An accessible introduction to the world's fifth largest religion, this work presents Sikhism's meanings and myths, and its practices, rituals, and festivals, also addressing ongoing social issues such as the relationship with the Indian state, the diaspora, and caste.

Sikhism's short but relatively eventful history provides a fascinating insight into the working of misunderstood and seemingly contradictory themes such as politics and religion, violence and mysticism, culture and spirituality, orality and textuality, public sphere versus private sphere, tradition and modernity. This book presents students with a careful analysis of these complex themes as they have manifested themselves in the historical evolution of the Sikh traditions and the encounter of Sikhs with modernity and the West, in the philosophical teachings of its founders and their interpretation by Sikh exegetes, and in Sikh ethical and intellectual responses to contemporary issues in an increasingly secular and pluralistic world. Sikhism: A Guide for the Perplexed serves as an ideal guide to Sikhism, and also for students of Asian studies, Sociology of Religion and World Religions.

This text presents an overview of Sikh history and religiosity by firmly placing it against the backdrop of other religious traditions of the world. It includes a basic introduction to the faith, its history, beliefs, practices and modern developments.

Almost from the moment, some five centuries ago, that their religion was founded in the Punjab by Guru Nanak, Sikhs have enjoyed a distinctive identity. This sense of difference, forged during Sikhism's fierce struggles with the Mughal Empire, is still symbolised by the 'Five Ks' ('panj kakar', in Punjabi), those articles of faith to which all baptised Sikhs subscribe: uncut hair bound in a turban; comb; special undergarment; iron bracelet and dagger (or kirpan) - the unique marks of the Sikh military fraternity (the word Sikh means 'disciple' in Punjabi). Yet for all its ongoing attachment to the religious symbols that have helped set it apart from neighbouring faiths in South Asia, Sikhism amounts to far more than just signs or externals. Now the world's fifth largest religion, with a significant diaspora especially in Britain and North America, this remarkable monotheistic tradition commands the allegiance of 25 million people, and is a global phenomenon. In her balanced appraisal, Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh reviews the history, theology and worship of a community poised between reconciling its hereditary creeds and certainties with the fast-paced pressures of modernity. She outlines and explains the core Sikh beliefs, and explores the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus in Sikhism's Holy Scriptures, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (more usually called just the 'Granth'). Further chapters explore Sikh ethics, art and architecture, and matters of gender and the place of women in the tradition. The book attractively combines the warm empathy of a Sikh with the objective insights and acute perspectives of a prominent scholar of religion.

"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 happens, an outsider has sharper insight into the workings of a community than insiders whose visions are perforce restricted."—Khushwant Singh, Hindustan Times

Sikhism is one of the world's major faiths, at the centre of the religion is the scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. It is the focus of Sikh theology and practice to the extent that no one is allowed to come between it and the believer. There is no priesthood.

A spiritual person is when their mind becomes one with the Creator God. Then, the mind absorbs the qualities of God and acts like a spiritual master. He is no more under the effects of Maya, which is another of Gods creation in which the mind is prisoner and to its five vices (lust, anger, greed, attachments and ego). It becomes calm, quiet, peaceful, acts to the Will of God and is in bliss always. It happens when the Mind is meditating on God and thinks about God always. For this spiritual mind, everything happening in the world is OK as its happening to His Will. He lives a life of truthful dealings with other persons, earns an honest living and shares with others. He becomes pure in thoughts, words and deeds. His mind becomes pure like its Creator, Himself. He is the most dependable friend and reliable companion. The above qualities can be achieved by one who only lives for the service of people and to whom everybody is the child of God. This person has no desires for him and lives for his family and others. His happiness lies in service and the welfare of others. Such a person has no desires and attachments in this world and lives a worry free life; always content with his/her lot. This book tells how to achieve such a state of mind. The mind is Gods child and we here, on Earth, to play in the hands of God as per destiny written by Him. If we accept Him, pray to Him and meditate on him in the way this book guides, there is a chance to win freedom from the cycle of births and deaths and live with him in peace and bliss forever. The path to bliss and peace is fully explained in this book.