From The Frontcover Of 'Indian Religious Thought and Sikhism' By Bhagat Singh Hira

What Mr. Hira attempts in this valuable study is to establish his thesis that Sikhism, in its theory and practice, in its philosophy and ritual, is something fresh and new, some­thing original and distinctive, though its con­textual rapport with and seeming proximity to the old Indian religions and philosophies arc in the nature of corresponding cultural realities based on difference of time and space continuum.

Sikhism strictly believes in social equality and justice which have been badly wanting in Indian religious history. There is great emphasis on the worship, no intermediacy of any priest, no superstition, no nature-worship no fetish, no sham, no humbug. Mere study of dogma is futile. One has to establish a direct rapport with God through love or through recitation of the holy Name. All this is in contravention to w4at ancient Indian religions have been preaching, espe­cially in their later stages of development. Mr. Hira has shown masterly treatment of all this in his remarkable book. He has given clear evidence of his vast learning and knowledge in the presentation of his thesis, especially from the comparative point of view.

Dewan Singh

Formerly Prof. & Head,

Department of Guru Nanak Studies,

Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

I had personally known the author earlier as a Panjabi Poet and an elucidator of Sikh Scriptures, but this book has, in a big way, brought fourth his worth and capabilities. He may be considered as one among the distinguished half a dozen living commenta­tors of Sikhism.

Surinder Singh Kohli Dr.

Senior Prof. & Head,

Department of Punjabi,

Punjab University, Chandigarh.

S. Bhagat Singh 'Hira' is veteran writer, who is continuously contributing to the field of Sikh Studies. Writing in this field is not an easy job. It is a slippery subject and certainly difficult to unfold in its abstraction. It requires a lot of insight, experience and courage to write about the various aspects  of the unmanifested Reality.

Fortunately, now there is a wide interest in the Sikh Studies throughout Scholars from various countries are interested to explore and understand the history,  Philosophy, political thought and religion of the Sikhs. It is in this context that this book is a valuable contribution.

As is evident, this book deals with the comparative study of the different Indian systems of thought, of course, keeping Sikhism at the centre. It gives a vivid picture of the different Indian systems of thought, religions and practices and also compares all these aspects with such aspects of Sikhism.

Darshan Singh Dr.

Prof. & Chairman

Department of Guru Nanak Studies,

Panjab University, Chandigarh