Prof. D. S. Chahal, Ph.d Institute Armand-Frappler University du Quebec

Laval, Quebec The term ‘Gurdwara’ is most misunderstood in these days. I have tried to explain this tem logically and scientifically according to Gurbani, after giving brief historical background of Sikhism, in this article. The Period of Renaissance and Guru Nanak:

During the period of renaissance, i.e., between the 14th century and the 17th century, the beginning of modem science challenged the existing fundamentals of church in Europe. For example Galileo (15641642) was prisoner for life because he challenged the fundamental belief of the church that earth is the center of the universe. He proved the theory of Copernicus ( 1473-1543) that the earth is a planet of solar system and it revolves around the sun (20).

Almost at the same time of the period of renaissance, about a century before Galileo, Guru Nanak (14691539) challenged the fundamentals of Brahmans in the Indian subcontinent. The misconception that the earth is resting on the homes of a bull was removed by Guru Nanak by explaining that the earth is staying in the universe under the control of the Laws of the Almighty (Scientists call them Laws of Nature) (1, 14). Similarly Guru Nanak explained about the creation of the universe by a process very similar to the “Big Bang” theory and expansion of the universe according to the Laws of the Almighty (Nature) (2,14). The theory of “Big Bang” was propounded by scientists in 1921. i.e., about 5 centuries after Guru Nanak. I must explain how the Nature and the Almighty are visualized by the scientists and by Guru Nanak. According to scientists the Nature is “A creative and controlling force in the universe” (23). According to Nanak “The creative and controlling force in the universe is the Almighty”(14). However, Guru Nanak also considers the Nature as the creation as well as the creator (14). Guru Nanak also challenged the caste system created by the Jogis and Brahmuns and explained that the whole mankind belongs to one class (3,4,5). Guru Nanak also challenged the Brahmans that the Almighty neither takes birth nor dies and is also not reincarnated into human form (6.7.8) and He can never be structured into any shape in stone or any other material (9). The Almighty has neither father, nor, mother, nor son, nor relative, nor wise nor any lust (10), Thus Guru Nanak through his 9 successors (Guru Nanak 1469…chrough Guru Gobind Singh …1708) evolved the most modem and scientifically sound religion, Sikhism, during the period of renaissance. Some fundamentals of some religions are being continuously attacked by the science since the advent of the period of renaissance. Sikhism created by Guru Nanak during the period of renaissance, had stood the rest of the time so far. I am very sure it will stand all the challenges from science, if it is presented in its time perspective. This is what I always try to portray in Sikhism in my writings (14-17).

to be continued in future issues.

Article extracted from this publication >>  January 13, 1995