Sikhism
By Annie Besant (1847 – 1933).
47 Pages | First edition 1963, third edition 2005 | Paperback | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170594677.
Annie Besant (1847 – 1933), second President of the Theosophical Society (1907 – 1933) was described as a ‘Diamond Soul’, for she had many brilliant facets to her character. She was an outstanding orator of her time, a champion of human freedom, educationist, philanthropist and author with more than three hundred books and pamphlets to her credit. She also guided thousands of men and women all over the world in their spiritual quest.
In 1896, Dr. Annie Besant gave four Convention Lectures on Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Chrisitianity at Adyar, Madras, on the twenty-first anniversary of the Theosophical Society, the President-Founder, Colonel Henry Steel Olcott (1832 – 1907), being in the Chair. In 1901, she continued the series with another four lectures on Islam, Jainism, Sikhism and Theosophy or ‘Divine Wisdom’ as the common source of all religions at the twenty-sixth anniversary, Colonel Olcott again presiding. Each of the lectures on the seven religions has been published as a separate booklet with the exception of the lecture on Divine Wisdom, and the whole series as a single volume under the title Seven Great Religions.
From page 1/2:
” Most people in thinking of the Sikh think of a gallant warrior, a brave soldier. But we shall err seriously if we look on him as only, or even as fundamentally a fighter. The movement itself is fundamentally a religious one. It grew up in the midst of Hinduism, having for its ideal the joining together of the Hindus and the Muslims in one league of love to God and service to man. The thought of its founder, Guru Nānak, as we find it expressed not only in his words, but far more in his life, was to join together these warring elements of the Indian people on a platform, that both could accept. “
The Gospel of Peace (According To Guru G. Sahib)
By Duncan Greenlees (1899 – 1966).
404 Pages | World Gospel Series: First Edition 1952, 2nd edition 1960, 3rd edition 1968, 4th edition 1975, 5th edition 1994 | Hardcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592364.
Sikhism is the religion taught through Guru Nanak in the forms of the Ten Gurus, and now through the Guru-Granth Sahib and the whole community of disciples. It is a practical way of life that does not involve itself in verbose theorizing but leads a man straight to his goal.
To protect the young community of disciples (Sikhs) that had become subject to persecution, the sixth Guru converted it into a semi-military brotherhood, arming it with outward insignia and sacraments, and thus subjecting it to the purifying fires of martyrdom, which instilled the necessary courage and resolution in its heart. The Sikhs should therefore have a great place in the future of their country, as so pure and spiritual a religion as theirs has already a great place among the religions of the world.
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Duncan Greenlees was educated in England and spent much of his life in India. He was associated with Dr. Annie Besant in her educational work for India and served as Principal of one of the many theosophical high schools she founded. He participated in the Indian national struggle for freedom, was associated with Gandhi, and drafted the Indian National Education Policy. Later, withdrawing from all worldly and political activities, he made a study of the religious scriptures of the world. His detailed expositions of the underlying philosophy of the religions are published as the World Gospel Series.
From Chapter 6 – ‘The Way to God’ (p. 294):
“7. Happiness is not for those, who make many friends in the world; it is those who keep the mind on the One, who ever enjoy happiness (K. śloka 21). The servants serve [Him] who uplifts [them] by kindness; dewy is the night of those in whose heart is a yearning [for Him] (N.Āsa di vār, 5 Sl.2). Bliss is in the heart which delights in love [N. Barah Maha, 16], so there is always bliss for devotees; they are put into ecstasy by singing the excellences of God (Ar.Āsa, 10:2). “