Sikhism [Paperback]

Hew McLeod (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1998

There are about sixteen million Sikhs in the world today, and this stimulating and informative introduction to their history, doctrines, customs, and society includes extensive translations from their sacred texts. At the heart of their religion are the ten Gurus, who transferred authority from individual leaders to the scriptures and the community itself. Sikhism explores how their distinctive beliefs emerged from the Hindu background of the times, how a number of separate sects split off, and how far the ideals of sexual equality have been observed in practice. The result is a vivid and richly textured overview of one of the world's great religions.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It's the image you have in your mind of the colonial Indian soldier: long beard, fierce eyes, burly build, turban piled high on the head, sword at the ready. Sikhs were recruited by the British for their fighting prowess, a skill honed over centuries of defending their faith. In Sikhism, Hew McLeod, one of the world's authorities on Sikh religion and society, covers the universe of Sikhism, from origins to present, sacred texts to prohibitions and customs, the forces that Sikh soldiers were resisting, and the modern diaspora. His approach is that of a historian, methodical and removed. He separates the facts from the hearsay, revealing why many Sikhs don't cut their hair, why they chant the divine Name of the eternal Guru, and why Sikh men carry swords with them at all times. But a historian can also stir up controversy when his research conflicts with accepted lore. Sikhism is believed by many to be a mix of Islam and Hinduism, but McLeod shows that it owes little to Islam, while sharing many traits with the Sant sect of Hinduism. Having spent almost a decade in the Indian Punjab, the birthplace of Sikhism, McLeod writes with authority. --Brian Bruya

About the Author

W. H. McLeod is professor of history at the University of Otago, New Zealand. John R. Hinnells is professor of comparative religion at the University of Manchester. He is the author of Handbook of Living Religions and editor of the Penguin Dictionary of Religions.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140252606
• ISBN-13: 978-0140252606
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,466,616 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #85 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Sikhism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ek Ong Kar Sat Nam Siri Wahe Guru, March 26, 2001

By 

rballjones "rballjones" (Des Moines, IA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sikhism (Paperback)

"Sikhism" is an excellent, objective history and overview of the Sikh religion. It is written from an academic's perspective; as such, some observations may not sit well with a devoted follower of the religion--the same as a Christian might be uneasy with an academic treatise on Christianity. But, as another reviewer points out, the author is not disrespectful toward the Sikhs; to the contrary, I get the impression he has a certain fascination with the religion; and that feeling comes through the book. I could hardly put it down.

Examples of subject matter: the author explains the origin of the Langer, or free kitchen--and why they generally serve only vegetarian food even though most Sikhs are not vegetarian. Also, the history and meaning of the beard, turban, and other outward symbols of the Sikh, are thoroughly explained. I found particularly interesting the discussion of the 10 Sikh gurus. Since they lived not so far in the past (16th-18th century?) there is actually some recorded history of their lives.

The author's style is concise and easy to read. The only difficulty for this Western reader was dealing with the many unfamiliar Sikh terms. But they were necessary for understanding and not too difficult.

For anyone with a serious interest in learning about the Sikhs, I highly recommend this book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Historical Referance Work, June 9, 2001

By 

[e-mail] (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sikhism (Paperback)

This book provieds a clear and concise summary of Sikh history and factions. It caused something of controversy with the Sikh community when released, as it takes a critical view of religous subjects. Very well researched. A good place to start if you want to gain an overview of Sikh history and trends.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Foundation to Understanding Sihkism, February 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Sikhism (Paperback)

I would recommend this book to people who know little about Sihkism. This well written book provided me with valuable insight into the fundamentals of the sihk religion, its cultural background and traditions. The book is written by an acedemic from a historians point of view so its provides factual, yet respectful views on the history & religion of the sihk people. The book covers all apects of Sihkism such as the lives of the 10 Gurus, the sacred scriptures, how the relgion & Sihk society developed and sihks of the disporia (those who settled in other contries (such as UK & Canada) The author has dedicated his audult life to understanding Sihkism and his love & respect for the culture comes out in the book. He does this without being emotive which so often the case when reading about Sihkism.