Preface Of The Book 'Hymns From Guru Granth Sahib' By Dr. G. S. Mansukhani 

PREFACE

I deem it a great pleasure to write a preface to this book. There was a great need for such a publication because I believe that moral and spiritual education is necessary for the all-round development of the per­sonality of the youth. Initially Dr. Gobind Singh and I had planned to write a book together on the hymns of the Sikhs which might be useful to student community in Public schools and the common people. I could not find time to attend to my share of the work and requested my friend to under-take the entire work. He agreed to do so and the work is now in your hands.

I have gone through the manuscript. It is divided into eight sections - one each of Hymns of Supplica­tion, In Praise of God, The Guru, Glory of the Name, The Devotee/The Saint, Hymns for Ceremonies, Tran­sitory world and other Hymns. The hymns of Guru Granth Sahib have been carefully selected and most of them are sung in Sikh schools and temples. The pattern of each Shabad is as follows:

The hymn has been produced in 'the original Pan­jabi text and underneath is the transliteration in Roman-English for the benefit of those who cannot read Panjabi. On the opposite page is the English translation, line by line. In the footnotes, the author has given annotations on difficult words and concepts.

The Sikh way of life is simple and practical. The first step is self-analysis and introspection, followed by purification of the body and the mind. For this purpose, the practice of virtues, specially humility, charity, love, truth and contentment is necessary. One must also earn one's livelihood and share one's earn­ing with others who are less fortunate. The goal of Sikhism is liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and link with the Lord. This is possible by serving God through His creation and by submitting to His Will. This eliminates the ego which is the cause of action, attach­ment and anxiety. The devotee is ultimately united with the Lord like a drop flowing into the ocean or a spark ·of fire merging in the burning flame.

I am sure this book of hymns will prove a source of great enlightenment and inspiration to the readers. I commend the· work whole-heartedly to the Englishknowing world.

G.S.Dhillon

Principal

Guru Har Krishan Public School

Vasant Vihar, New Delhi

30 August 1975