This book is third in the series “Selected Works of Sirdar Kapur Singh” edited by Madanjit Kaur and Piar Singh and published by Guru Nanak Dev University
The late Kapur Singh (1909-84) had & Very interesting nay challenging mind and a broad understanding of MALES metaphysical historical and religious in this incomplete translation of the Sukhmani he displays his vast intellectual arsenal most impressively. It is more than a translation of greater value is the accompanying Commentary. The book also contains an article by Kapur Singh on the martyrdom of Guru Arjun. The editors have appended a brief life story of Guru Arjun Newer historical information on Guru Arjun’s martyrdom is provided via an article by the late historian Ganda Singh at the end to the book.
The introductory chapter by the editors contains useful information on the life of Guru Arjun.
Compilation of the Guru Granth and also some ancillary historical information Contrary to the general Understanding the editors opine that Guru Arjun went to see Prince Khusrau and sought his Audience rather than the other way around. 11 is commonly conceded as Kapur Singh docs that while Khusrau was on the run he and his men were fed at the Gurus kitchen It seems unlikely then that the Guru went to him. Kapur Singh in his essay suggests that Guru Arjun’s martyrdom occurred because Emperor Jahangir was afraid of the growing political power of the Guru. According to Kapur Singh Guru Arjun was martyred according to yasa the Mongol Law. The editors and Ganda Singh differ and instead posit that the real reason was bigotry and fanaticism of Muslim Clergy at that time Ganda Singh also wonders if the Guru ever met Prince Khusrau.
Kapur Singh makes a good analysis of the secular political vision of Akbar the non-secular vision of his followers and the universal vision of the followers of Nanak. Following this are useful and interesting analogists to the attitudes of the dominant present day. Modern political parties of the Muslim League Party Hindu Maha Sabha he Jan Sangh.
According to Sikh tradition Guru Arjun composed the Sukhmani in Rag Gurialt Ramsar probably before 1604 the editors or author do not say When This the longest single composition in the Guru Granth It is also perhaps the most popular and impressive Of Guru Arjuns writings. It is rich in poetic imagery and the philosophic depths of Sikh belief. Since then Sikhs and many non-Sikhs as well have depended on the reading and Contemplation of this composition to transport them into a State of spiritual equanimity particularly when he burdens of life appear too heavy.
The Sukhmani consists of 24 octonaries (astpadis) each consisting of a shaloka and cight pauris. Kapur Singh was able to translate and comment on only 5 octonaries before his death and they form the bulk of his book.
Kapur Singh presents a fascinating analysis of the Sikh concept Ek Oankar. He sees in it triple concept of reality and compares it to similar metaphysical ideas of Trinity in many major religious systems such as Buddhist Hindu Christian and even Islamic. Finally he suggests that Plato might call the three modes of reality the “idea” the “image” and the “perception”.
Kapur Singh then follows with the derivation and detailed analysis of each concept found in the text of the Sukhmani such as Nidhan Sudhakar Smriti Parupkari Kamal big as an Khin (Ksin) to name a few. What Shines through most clearly is his mastery of the classical Vedic mythology and philosophy. But he does his analysis in a most systematic and precise manner line by tine and word by word.
The mode of presentation is very scholarly and useful First is the original in Gurmukhi script followed in order by the original feat set in Roman script its translation in English free verso and finally several pages of painstakingly detailed notes and annotations. This scheme is followed for each shaloka and then for each pauri of each octonary
Many of the commentaries are like minisermons. As an example of how comprehensively each concept is treated the notes on music and keerian following octonary TV(6) are most detailed and enlightening on the nature of music the musical sense of the Greek sand Hindus and the Sikh comprehension of music.
The book carries an excellent index and a separate doctrinal index of concepts and terminology. Madanjit Kaur and Piac Singh the editors have checked and updated references because in this matter Kapur Singh was somewhat careless. A bibliography Of selected sources in English and other European languages Sanskrit Persian Arabic and Punjabi is useful bur incomplete page references are not provided
This is the kind of book which would make excellent raw material for a Series of seminars or discussions for adult Sikhs somewhat like a continuing education series our gurdwara’s and other institutions should think about such programs
For the reader the regret remains that Kapur Singh did not get to complete his work. Five astpadis out of 24 are barely 25 percent of what could have been but it is instructive writing which also manages to remain interesting.
Guru Nanak Dev University has an excellent scholarly series in the works: of Kapur Singh. Madanjit Kaur and Piar Singh are to be facilitated on a fine job
Reviewed by: I.J Singh New York University
Article extracted from this publication >> May 6, 1994
