By: Amrit Kaur

WASHINGTON: The Fourth enthusiastic session of “The Sikh Study Circle’ took place recently at the Washington based Guru Gobind Singh Foundation. This innovative program “A meeting of the Minds’ was launched last year in order to delve in Sikh history understand Gurbani through proper usage of grammar and to ignite interest in reading new books through book reviews. It is also a platform to discuss problems arising out of modem strenuous lives which seeks finding solutions according to the Sikh tenants

The provocative main topic of discussion was ‘Hukum Ki hai’? (What is Will of God) Bhai Jaspal Singh a talented raagi and expert exponent of Sikh philosophy from LA explicitly explained Hukam and its connotations. Do we defy or accept the Hukam? Very related to the topic was a Book Review of the best seller “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” by Rabbai Harold Kushner. This review was done by Amrit Kaur.

This book has sparked off lively debates and discussions in many religious groups and the G.G.S.F. study circle was not left untouched. The review in English was followed by Harminder Singh Jassal’s critical analysis of the book from Gurmat point of view. An interesting and stimulating question and answer session evolved as a result.

In previous sessions of the Study circle G.G.S.F has had eminent scholars like Manohar Singh Marko who displayed genuine manuscripts of historical importance Hukamnammas in original style and rare artifacts. S Jodh Singh had the unique privilege of reviewing a highly spiritually elevating book “Ardas” by DrJaswant Singh Neki. An extensively researched book “Guru Granth Da It has by Giani Gurdit Singh been also reviewed.

Giani Jagjit Singh Sidqui of Texas spoke on literature composed by Guru Gobind Singh a guru who at his zenith epitomized literary spiritual and martial qualities like no one had ever done before.

Sharwan Singh an active participant got the opportunity to raise questions and express his concerns and disagreements with the findings of Giani Gurdit Singh in his “Guru Granth Da It has.”

These informal sessions turn out to be very stimulating and productive and give participants much food for thought. The study circle also aims at training people in the ant of public speaking

Article extracted from this publication >> July 31, 1992