For the first time in 300 years, since Guru Gobind Singh ji composed Jaap Sahib on the banks of the Jamma River at Paonta Sahib, a conference has been held on Jaap Sahib. Under the patronage of Baba Virsa Singh ji, 50 major scholars from the Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim traditions, plus a Russian Orthodox priest addressed the gathering of 1000 at Gobind Sadan
New Delhi: Organized by Dr. GS. Anand, head of Guru Granth Sahib Studies at Punjabi University Patiala, the conference was the second in an ongoing series on critical theological issues to be sponsored by the newly formed Gobind Sadan Institute for Advanced Studies in Comparative Religions. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Kurukshetra University, Delhi University, Indian Institute of Islamic Studies, and Punjabi University, Patiala were all well represented. Such notables as Dr. S.A. Ali, director of the Indian Institute of Islamic Studies, Dr. Haraam Singh Shan, former Chair, Guru Nanak Chair, Punjab University, DrMadanjit Kaur, Chair, Guru Nanak Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, Dr. Piara Singh Padam, Dr. S.S. Kohli, were among those who presented papers. The conference took on an international flavor as Ralph Singh, of Gobind Sadan, U.S.A., in Suracuse, New York and Father Mark, a Russian Orthodox Priest and religious correspondent for Pravda also addressed the audience.
Jaap Sahib was hailed as a “universal scripture”, accepted by both Muslims as many of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s verses were common to both the Koran and the Adeesh, and Hindus, who compared it to Vishnu Shatra Namas. The uniqueness of a single scripture which could be recited by people of all faiths was emphasized by all. Composed in 199 verses spanning 7 languages from Sanskirt to Persian, Guru Gobind Singh used 735 names to praise the formless, Divine Power we know as God. Even many nonbelievers have found Solace in Jaap Sahib, feeling the power of its divine poetry. As a result of the conference, Jaap Sahib has been translated by the Institute into Russian, and a revised English translation by Dr. HS. Gill of Nehru University is now available. German and Japanese translations are in progress, Incidents of Jaap Sahib’s spiritual power was shared, as even those who did not understand the meaning (Germans and Russians) who had recited it had received great blessings as a result of daily recitation.
It was determined that with each translation, a copy of the original Gurmukhi script, plus a transliteration using the appropriate script should be included, Thus each person could actually recite Jaap Sahib. Dr. Gill in consultation with other scholars has agreed to furnish a “standardized” system of transliteration for English speaking people.
Overall, the conference was a great success and one could not help but feel that Guru Gobind Singh ji, himself was present to lend his blessings to those who had gathered in his praise.
Copies of some of the major papers are available from Gobind Sadan, U.S.A. anyone interested please write to Gobind Sadan USA, at Box 383, RD 2, Graves Road, Central Square, New York, 13031
Article extracted from this publication >> July 20, 1990
