Author: Brar, Rupinder S.
Title: The Japji of Guru Nanak: A New Translation with Commentary
Description: Washington DC, Smithsonian Institution, 2019. Hardcover. Full-color matte printed boards with the title printed in white letters down a black spine. The free and pasted end pages are a deep, rich red. Pages: (4), 5-168. Contains many color illustrations. "The 'Japji' is by far the best-known work of Guru Nanak (1469-1539) -- poet, philosopher, historian, composer, First Sikh Guru and founder of the Sikh faith. Many Sikhs recite its sacred verses daily. Dr. Rupinder Singh Brar provides in this book a compelling new translation with commentary on this work (whose title derives from the root "jap-" meaning to recite or chant). He also examines its core concepts including 'Naam' (meaning both "name" and "substance"), and presents the 'Japji' as a condensed summary of Guru Nanak's philosophy. The 'Japji' composition constitutes the initial verses of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, which was compiled during the time of the ten Sikh Gurus, beginning with Guru Nanak, and which is considered the successor of the human Gurus themselves. Dr. Brar notes that, perhaps due to its exalted status as a sacred religious text, the 'Japji' remains under-appreciated as a literary and philosophical gem, and that its importance within South Asia's literary and cultural heritage is still little known outside the Sikh community [..]. This highly readable translation and commentary are published in conjunction with the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak's birth (1469-2019)." Contents are as follows: Introduction / by Paul Michael Taylor -- The 'Japji' in Context. Reading Guru Nanak in the Third Millennium ; "As appeared the true Guru Nanak" ; The 'Japji' as literature ; The 'Japji' as philosophy : Between reason and faith -- The 'Japji' : Text, Transliteration, and Translation. The 'Japji' verses -- Interpreting the 'Japji' : Virtue and Grace. Being human : Understanding the five Khands of 'Japji' ; Cultivating virtue : The Dharam Khand ; Shattering ego : The Gyan Khand ; Creating mindfulness : The Saram Khand ; Taming desire : The Karam Khand ; Transcendence and eternity : The Sach Khand ; Virtue and grace : Living in harmony with the five Khands -- Epilogue. The House of Nanak. VG+: In excellent condition. Looks like it has rarely been taken from the shelf.

Keywords: Religions and Religious People ; Japji Sahib ; ; Religions and Religious People


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