Sikhism - Culture - Gurmat Veechar

AN INTRODUCTION
With the blessings of'Akaal Purakh', the Almighty God; exactly three
years back on 5 th ofJanuary 2005, I literally entered the literary world
when my first book, THE SIKH TREE, was released. The venue was
Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib New Delhi and the occasion was the
Parkash Divas' of Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh. The full title of the
book was' the Message ofthe Gurus - THE SIKH TREE- as the same
grew over a period of 239 years (from 1469 to 1708)'. It primarily
dealt with the landmarks established by Guru Jote in ten different
physical appearances in this world. It tried to bring to the fore, as to
how and why the Sikhism of Guru Nanak as propounded, professed
and practiced by him, followed and preached by subsequent eight
Gurus was transformed into Khalsa Panth by Guru Dasmesh the Tenth
Nanak. It also touched the issue ofbestowing ofGuru Gaddi upon Sri
Guru Granth Sahib. One chapter was given on Sri Guru Granth Sahib
and the last chapter dealt with the 'Essence ofSikhism - The Message
OfThe Khalsa'.
The book has been well received. It has found its readers in
substantial numbers in far-flung countries such as USA, CANADA,
AUSTRALIA, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, KENYA, and KUWAIT.
Some copies have also gone to U.K., SINGAPORE, AMASTERDOM
(NETHERLAND). A number of individuals, institutions - schools,
colleges, Gurdwaras, and libraries - have patronized the book in India
as well. Some well known scholars, writers, who gave their views and
comments about the book, helped me a lot in reaching out to a large
readership.
Encouraged by the response and after getting the feed back, I,
again with the grace and blessings ofSat Guru Nanak, embarked upon
taking in hand the current work. With myoId but continuous approach
ofspreading the message of Gurus, world - wide and with a focus on
those readers - Sikhs and other aspirants alike - who are not well versed
in Punjabi language, I have attempted this work. In this book whereas
I have tried to codifY and include some basic information about Gur
Sikhi, I have also dealt upon some cultural and historical aspects, as
xiv I The Sikhism - Culture, History & Religion