Preface Of The Book 'Philosophy Of Sikhism' By Sher Singh

PREFACE

For some years past I have been a keen student of Sikhism and other kindred religions and philosophies. About seven years back rote down my findings and views in the form of this book. A of it was included in my thesis for the Ph.D. degree in the University of London and many topics dealt with in this book were the subject matter of about eight lectures which were delivered when I was in Europe and England from 1936 to 1938. I am present­ing to the public all that stuff under the title of "Philosophy of Sikhism" The reader will soon discover that it is just an introduction to this vast subject and it does not pretend to be an exhaustive account of the philosophy of this great and inspiring religion. How much it is philosophy and how much it is theology is difficult to say. Both of them deal with the same materials and the exposition of the meaning of a theological dogma passes easily into a philosophical interpretation, and as Dr. Thomas of Cambridge University, to whom I am also indebted for some valuable suggestions, says "All Indian philosophy is at the same time theology and religion". But what justifies the title of my work is the angle, the view point, from which have approached Sikhism.

In my treatment of the subject I have done my best to conceal the fact of my being a Sikh by birth, training and now a deep-rooted rational conviction. l feel that only such an impassionate criticism of people's beliefs can lead to the advancement of knowledge and to the mental and spiritual uplift of the holders of those beliefs. But the rejudices and the inclinations of a writer are cleverer than his 'censor' and they enter inter into his writings so imperceptibly and unconsciously that it remains for the reader to judge how far the writer has succeeded in exercising a rational check on his biased opinions issuing forth from his deep-rooted sentiments.

While expounding and explicating the problems in hand I have in some places, indulged in comparisons between the concepts held by the Guru and those held by some Western thinkers. Sometimes the latter are quoted just to corroborate the idea under discussion. I realise that this was not very necessary and could be safely avoided I have done so in the hope that such a comparison may render an Eastern concept more intelligible to the Western or a non-Sikh reader. There will also be found a few terms which the reader will find either quite new or not used in their traditional connotation. Wherever I have felt I have tried to explain the new term. I con­clude with the request to all the readers to send their suggestions and views even though they may be diametrically opposed to my own. They will certainly be welcomed and I am sure to benefit by them.

Two great souls Who were anxious to see this book in the hands of the public are no longer in our midst. I have honoured myself and the book by dedicating it to one of them. The other was for some time a Christian missionary in the Panjab and later on worked as a Reader in the University of London. He was Dr. T. Grahame Bailey, the famous scholar of Urdu, Panjabi and Hindi in that University I have mentioned these names to pay my homage and express my gratitude to them. I am thankful to many more friends who at various stages helped me and guided me in this task. The name of S. Jiwan Singh M.A., deserves a special mention here, for, but for his courage this book might not have seen the light of the day in these hard times of very high rates. I thank Prof. Pritam Singh who spared time to help me in reading the proofs of the book.

                                                                                                                                                   SHER SINGH,

                                                                                                                                                   M.A., Ph.D., GYANI

Government College, Ludhiana.

May 16, 1944.