Jewels from Sikh Wisdom – A Journey of Discovery is a new, beautifully illustrated educational resource, conceived by Harinder Singh, written by Gopinder Kaur, and with artwork by renowned British-Sikh artists, The Singh Twins.
Supported by the Guru Nanak Nishkam Education Trust (GNNET), this book has been made under the guidance of Bhai Sahib Ji, with the focus on helping illuminate the message of Guru Granth Sahib Ji in a language that holds social and cultural relevance to Sikhs living within the diaspora – in particular, within the western world.
The messages are contemplative yet accessible, as they allow the reader to revisit the emergence and unfolding of Sikh spiritual heritage, exploring how the Sikh way of life took shape in response to the cultural context and changing political climate of its time.
Guided by the poignant analogy of trading in the practice of wisdom during our temporary stay on the planet – to generate shared flourishing and enrich the inner spirit before its onward journey – words and images join to illuminate treasured teachings on transforming the everyday worlds we make within and around us by harnessing a spiritual identity people share across their differences.
As detailed by The Singh Twins in their accompanying artist commentaries, the visual depictions draw not only on facets of Sikh history and identity but also on global symbolism linked to the metaphorical imagery embedded in the scriptural verses, which are presented in the original Gurmukhi script, with meanings creatively discerned and interpreted in English.
Covering Guru Nanak’s travels, his teachings on Oneness and on aligning to the Divine, the book journeys through Jap Ji Sahib, after an evocative exploration of Mool Mantar. A look at how the lives of the Sikh Gurus led to the flowering of the Khalsa and the Guruship of the scripture is followed by insights into the significance of the gurudwara, the Guru’s transformative realm, and of kirtan, the musical expression of the lyrical teachings.
With further themes on humanhood, birth and death, on honouring nature and serving society, the book closes with insights into the Sikh night-time prayer and the Anand Sahib or Song of Bliss.
The book was launched in the Nishkam Centre, Birmingham, UK on the 10th September 2022.
