McLeod's interest embraces all aspects of the life and beliefs of the Sikh people, and is of particular value as an outsider's research into a living religious faith."

"Embark on a profound journey into the heart of Sikhism with 'Exploring Sikhism: Understanding the Path of the Guru'. Delve into the rich tapestry of Sikh history, philosophy, and practice as you unravel the essence of this venerable faith. From the teachings of Guru Nanak to the modern-day challenges and contributions of the Sikh community, this comprehensive guide offers a deep exploration of Sikh ethics, scriptures, rituals, and heritage. Discover the profound wisdom of Sikh philosophy, the inspiring stories of Sikh Gurus, and the enduring values of equality, compassion, and service. Whether you are a seeker of knowledge, a student of religion, or simply curious about Sikhism, this book serves as an invaluable companion on your quest for understanding and enlightenment. Join us in embracing the timeless teachings of Sikhism and walking the path of the Guru towards a more compassionate, just, and harmonious world."

It is commonly assumed that all Sikhs are the same, but the very existence of different groups who have varying beliefs and practices within the Sikh community shows that a corporate identity for the Sikh community is not possible and serves to alienate a substantial proportion of Sikhs from the overall fold of the Sikh faith. Introducing the beliefs and practices of a range of individual Sikh groups, this book addresses the issue of Sikh identity across the Sikh community as a whole but from the viewpoint of different types of Sikh. Examining the historical development of Sikhism from the period of Guru Nanak to the present day, the author takes an in-depth look at five groups in the Sikh community - the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha; the Namdharis; the Ravidasis; the Valmikis; and the Sikh Dharma of the Western hemisphere (associated with the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization - 3HO). Their history, beliefs and practices are explored, as well as their diverse and shared identities. Concluding that there is no authoritative yardstick with which to assess the issue of Sikh identity, the author highlights Sikhism's links to its Hindu past and suggests a federal Sikh identity with one or two fundamental beliefs at the core and individual groups left to express their own unique beliefs and practices.

This is an account of the history and nature of the Sikhs and their religion written from a British nineteenth-century perspective. The book is divided into sections describing the origins of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, the spread of Sikhism, the successive Gurus and so on. The author talks about the Sikhs in India and their relationship with the British and also in later sections their role in the British Commonwealth.

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.

Sikhism is often the religion that teachers have the least confidence in teaching, despite being the fifth largest religion in the world, and being commonly regarded as one of the six main religions to be taught in schools. This book fills that gap in knowledge and expertise by exploring the beliefs and practices of Sikhism as a lived religion in the modern world. It engages with Sikh beliefs and practices, and provides students and teachers with the confidence to address misconceptions and recognise the importance of beliefs in the lives of believers, in a way that will enable readers to go forward with confidence. Aspects of Sikhism explored include the concepts that form the central beliefs of Sikhism, and the expression of these beliefs in worship and daily life, and the ethics of Sikhs in the modern day. Each chapter includes authentic voices of believers today and provides opportunities for the reader to consider the concepts and how they can be respected and taught in the classroom.

"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