Sikhism traces its beginnings to Guru Nanak, who was born in 1469 and died in 1538 or 1539. With the life of Guru Nanak the account of the Sikh faith begins, all Sikhs acknowledging him as their founder. Sikhism has long been a little-understood religion and until recently they resided almost exclusively in northwest India. Today the total number of Sikhs is approximately twenty million worldwide. About a million live outside India, constituting a significant minority in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Many of them are highly visible, particularly the men, who wear beards and turbans, and they naturally attract attention in their new countries of domicile. This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Sikhism covers its history through a chronology, an introductory essay, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 1000 cross-referenced entries on key persons, organizations, the principles, precepts and practices of the religion as well as the history, culture and social arrangements. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Sikhism.

Contrary to popular opinion, there is more to Sikhism than the distinctive dress. First of all, there is the emergence of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and the long line of his successors. There are the precepts, many related to liberation through the divine name or nam. There is a particularly turbulent history in which the Sikhs have fought to affirm their beliefs and resist external domination that continues to this day. There is also, more recently, the dispersion from the Punjab throughout the rest of India and on to Europe and the Americas. With this emigration Sikhism has become considerably less exotic, but hardly better known to outsiders. This reference is an excellent place to learn more about the religion. It provides a chronology of events, a brief introduction that gives a general overview of the religion, and a dictionary with several hundred entries, which present the gurus and other leaders, trace the rather complex history, expound some of the precepts and concepts, describe many of the rites and rituals, and explain the meaning of numerous related expressions. All this, along with a bibliography, provides readers with an informative and accessible guide toward understanding Sikhism.

A must-read for anyone concerned about our future. An unseen battle is raging, more vital to the future of humanity and the planet than any other: we must learn to control our own human minds. In this volume, one of the world's great Sages provides rare personal insights and practical examples, coupled with provocative challenges to the powers-that-be, of how to change the course of civilisation. Babaji's every word strikes and heals our wounded minds and puts us on a path to peace. Impact on Russia -- The world needs spiritual directions, which we have found at Gobind Sadan. If we solve the problems from a spiritual perspective and transform human consciousness, then we will receive the wisdom to solve all our problems. The teachings of Baba Virsa Singh are the real mechanism of transformation. Yuriy Ageshin, legal advisor to the Duma. Impact on India -- Babaji has offered us a practical example of how we as a nation and a world can overcome our religious differences. Babaji himself worked and linked people to the land, and showed the way for our country to progress. Kuldip Nayar, eminent journalist, former High Commissioner to England. Overcoming Religious Conflict -- In the way that God`s messenger does it, Babaji has been teaching us who live in one world but in so many different ways how to live as one nation and as one human family. Dr. Bhai Mohan Singh, Chairman Emeritus, Ranbaxy, Ltd. Overcoming Poverty --The work is worship approach pioneered by Babaji at Gobind Sadan is the spiritual soul mate of my work in empowering the poor. Dr Naresh Singh, Director, UNDP Commission, Empowerment of the Poor. Overcoming Terrorism -- Babaji's spiritual presence was indeed the determining factor in bringing peace. But the lessons we have learned and model we have gained are definitely transferable. S K Chhibber, former Governor, Mizoram.