Sri Guru Granth Sahib Discovered: A Reference Book of Quotations

Hakim Singh Rahi (Author)

Sri Guru Granth Sahib plays a very important part in the life of the Sikh Community. It is read regularly in Gurdwaras and occasionally in homes on happy or sad occasions. The reading of the whole Granth is called Akhandpaath (non stop recitation or reading). Selections for morning and evening prayers are taken from the Granth and read daily by Sikhs. The whole life of a Sikh revolves around this book.
 

Despite being such an important book for the whole Sikh Community it is also true that the Granth is a closed book for many Sikhs born outside India, as well as for the majority of other people both Asians and Westerners, who simply cannot read the original Gurumukhi script of the Granth or understand it meaning.

Guru Granth Sahib: The Guru Eternal

Dr. Mohinder Singh (Author)

To mark the tercentenary of Gurugaddi Divas of Guru Granth Sahib in 2008, this volume has been brought out to highlight some distinctive features of the Sikh scripture. It was for the first time in the history of world religions that a religious teacher had himself created an authorized version of the scripture. Guru Arjan Dev went a step further by including the hymns of the Hindu Bhaktas, Muslim Sufi Saints and the so-called low castes. In medieval times when society was divided in narrow sectarian and caste basic

compartments this was a revolutionary step indeed. Guru Granth Sahib opens with Mool Mantra, the primal creed, wherein Guru Nanak, makes a definitive statement about the unity of God and brotherhood of mankind. Set in musical modes, the hymns of Guru Granth Sahib are composed in poetic meters. The vision of Guru Granth Sahib embraces the whole humanity - its concerns are universal and transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries.
 

This is what Arnold Toynbee says in this contexts: "...In the coming religious debate, the Sikh religion and its scripture, the Adi Granth, will have something of special value to say to the rest of the world." With scholarly introduction by Dr. J.S. Neki and text by Dr. Mohinder Singh, distinguished historian, the volume contains pictures of various Gurdwaras and Ceremonies covered by India's leading photographers. It also provides

glimpses of rare Guru Granth Sahib Birs from different repositories in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and U.K. pictures of Mool Mantra in the hand of Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind, Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh in different rare Birs and Hukamnamas have been included in this volume. Works of William Simpson, William Carpenter, Sobha Singh, Bodhraj, B.S. Malhans, Sidharth and other eminent artists and first ever camera photograph of the Golden Temple by William

Baker, also finds a place of prominence in the volume.

Guru Granth Sahib By N. Stephens

Excellent translation. would be better if it had footnotes or explanations on certain topics. definitely not for "beginners" Having a knowledge of Vedic literature is a plus; so you know what sastras, upanisads, etc. are referred to. Also who Shiva, Brahma, the Gopis, and others are. Highly recommended.

Guru Granth Sahib By Dr Chris Partridge

As many who will be interested in this title will know, the Guru Granth Sahib is the Sikh holy book, believed to be the inspired Word of God and treated by Sikhs with the courtesy normally shown to a living religious teacher (guru). However, because the Guru Granth Sahib is a long book written in Gurmukhi script (the written form of Punjabi) it is common for Sikhs themselves not to understand its meaning, let alone non-Sikh westerners. Although there have been some translations of the Guru Granth Sahib, this translation of key passages is particularly user-friendly. For example, along with a useful index and a select bibliography of the principal studies of Sikhism in English, the passages are helpfully arranged under the following theological headings: Origins of the Granth; the Concept of God; the Nature of the World; Karma and Transmigration; the Concept of Sin; Salvation; Guruship; Prayers in the Granth; Hinduism in the Granth; Muslim and Sufi Influence on the Gurus. Moreover, each section begins with a concise, reliable introduction. This makes the book particularly useful for those involved in teaching and dialogue.

As to the author, few people are as well qualified as Hakim Singh Rahi to produce a work such as this. Born in the Punjab, currently living in Birmingham (UK), Hakim Singh Rahi is a well-known Urdu poet who has produced books and poetry in several languages, including a novel in Hindi. Indeed, in 1989 he was awarded the Aizazi Award of the West Bengal Urdu Academy.

Who might be interested in this volume? If you want to understand what Sikhs believe, or if you teach Sikhism in a school or college, this book will prove to be an invaluable resource. Certainly there can be few better introductions to it than Revd. Rahi's book. I warmly commend it.

                                      The Greatness Guide By Robin Sharma

The Greatness Guide contains an established method that will help you to meet your innermost talents to live an inspiring life. This book Greatness Guide has 101 tips collected to help the booklover move beyond a survival-level way of life in order to go beyond doubt experience of life. The Greatness Guide is a noticeably influential and extremely sensible guide that will inspire us to get to world-class in both our personal and professional life.

Passionate, provocative, and full of big ideas that will challenge and inspire, "The Greatness Guide" is one of those rare books that will release our potential and awaken our best self.

By weaving powerful real-life storytelling and numerous timely great quotes to convey wisdom of the ages, Robin Sharma does a fantastic job of communicating 101 bold, yet simple truths that can explode your happiness and success in life as well as in business.
Within the pages of The Greatness Guide, one will receive uncommon advice that will uplift, energize and move you to action including “Drink Coffee with Gandhi”, “Speak Like a Superstar”, “Commit to First-Class”, “Problems Reveal Genius”, “Lead Without Title” and
“The Person Who Experiences Most Wins.”

This is a book that will breathe new life into our days and help us to play our best game as a human being.
                            
                            Peace of Mind in Daily Life By Remez Sasson

Most people would be glad to have some peace of mind in their life. They would be happy to forget their troubles, problems and worries, and enjoy a few moments of inner calmness and freedom from obsessing thoughts.

What is peace of mind? It is a state of inner calmness and tranquility, together with a sense of freedom, when thoughts and worries cease, and there is no stress, strain or fear. Such moments are not so rare. They may be experienced while being engaged in some kind of an absorbing or interesting activity, such as while watching an entertaining movie or TV program, while being with someone you love, while reading a book or while lying on the sand at the beach.

When you are on vacation, do you experience some sort of mental numbness? At this time, the mind becomes calmer, with fewer thoughts and fewer worries. Even while you are deeply asleep, not aware of your thoughts, you are in a state of inner peace.

Such activities, and similar ones, take away the mind from its usual thoughts and worries, and bring about temporary inner peace.

The question is, how to bring more peace of mind into our life, and more importantly, how to experience it in times of trouble. You might also ask whether it is possible to make it a habit, and enjoy it always and under all circumstances. First, you need to learn to bring more moments of inner peace into your daily life. Later, you will be able to experience these moments in times of trouble or difficulties too, when you really need inner calmness and tranquility.

You can turn peace of mind into a natural habit, but to do so, special training is required, through concentration exercises, meditation and other means. Browse this website, and you will find articles, advice and techniques for attaining peace of mind, as well as a special book dedicated to this subject.

Here are a few simple things that can help you:

·         Reduce the amount of time you read the newspapers or watch the news on TV.

·         Stay away from negative conversations and from negative people.

·         Don't hold grudges. Learn to forget and forgive. Nurturing ill feelings and grievances hurts you and causes lack of sleep.

·         Don't be jealous of others. Being jealous means that you have low self-esteem and consider yourself inferior to others. Jealousy and low self esteem, often lead to lack of inner peace.

·         Accept what cannot be changed. This saves a lot of time, energy and worries.

·         Every day we face numerous inconveniences, irritations and situations that are beyond our control. If we can change them, that's fine, but this is not always possible. We must learn to put up with such things and accept them cheerfully.

·         Learn to be more patient and tolerant with people and events.

·         Don't take everything too personally. Some emotional and mental detachment is desirable. Try to view your life and other people with a little detachment and less involvement. Detachment is not indifference, lack of interest or coldness. It is the ability to think and judge impartially and logically. Don't worry if again and again you fail to manifest detachment. Just keep trying.

·         Let bygones be gone. Forget the past and concentrate on the present moment. There is no need to evoke unpleasant memories and immerse yourself in them.

·         Practice some concentration exercises. This will help you to reject unpleasant thoughts and worries that steal away your peace of mind.

·         Learn to practice meditation. Even a few minutes a day will make a change in your life.

Inner peace ultimately leads to external peace. By creating peace in our inner world, we bring it into the external world, affecting other people too.

2 States By Chetan Bhagat  

2 States is a satire on Indian society. Although it is evident that a rapid change in the society is witnessed. But the core of our values and orthodox are still untouched of the very benefits of ICT and its related technology.

As far as Chetan Bhagat is concerned, he has very aptly presented the thoughts, emotions and culmination of frustration when two pole-apart families meet or rather collide. 2 States showcases the real life ego clashes between humans be it the relationship of father-son or husband-wife or mother-son or brother-sister or daughter-mother and so on in two different cultural settings.

Usage of language, expressions and the simplicity of the plots is very suitable for any person to lay his/ her hands on the book.

Both Ananya and Krish (2 mian characters or lovers) take turns to win over each other’s families and then they try to make both the families like each other. After all in India, you don’t marry the guy (or girl for that matter), you have to marry the family. In fact, Krish does get 4 gold rings made to propose girl’s entire family!!! Well, here we have to concede it is a mammoth project to accomplish anywhere, in real life.

Though the premise is most realistic, it draws your attention to cultural differences in diverse India. Some of them are as simple as boisterous, loud Punjabi music versus quiet, mellifluous Tamilian Carnatic music. However, the difference in sensibilities is predictable.

Hence, the book is avidly recommended for anyone and everyone.

                    Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua  

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is an eye-opening exploration of the differences in Eastern and Western parenting- and the lessons parents and children everywhere teach one another.

An awe-inspiring, often hilarious, and unerringly honest story of one mother's exercise in extreme parenting, revealing the rewards-and the costs-of raising her children the Chinese way.

All parents want what's best for their children. What Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother reveals is that the Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children's individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions and providing a nurturing environment. The Chinese believe that the best way to protect your children is by preparing them for the future and arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother chronicles Chua's iron-willed decision to raise her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, her way-the Chinese way.

The Eastern and Western approaches are diametrically different. What emerges clearly from this book is that mixing the two traditions results in friction – and possibly a fusion that’s superior to both.

Name of book: - Management leadership through Bhagwat Gita

Name of the author: - Arun Kumar

Name of publisher: - Shubhi publications

Year of publication: - Year 2000’

No. of pages: - 220

About the author: Trained as a Chartered Accountant, Dr. Arun Kumar FCA, Ph. D has been working in several multinational companies during the last decade. Having visited the Middle East and the U.K., he had occasions to observe the working of business organizations in these countries. Author of several books in commerce, Dr. Arun Kumar is particularly interested in the application of Indian wisdom to modern trade and industry. His Ph.D work has been appreciated by scholars in India and abroad.

Summary

Chapter 1 – Introduction

Arun Kumar, the author of this book, is of the opinion that a manager can create meritocracy and focus on what is right rather than who is right. The management leadership should review the problems relating to performance analysis, role classification, goal setting, innovation, discipline for success through a cool mind and interpersonal relationships.

Chapter 2 – Leadership and team building

The Gita lays emphasis on team building in management to improve efficiency and effectiveness in performance. It suggests performing duties without seeking the result.

Chapter 3 – Philosophy of life

The metaphysics of Bhagwat Gita discloses two types of realities, perishable and imperishable reality. The prakriti is perishable and god is imperishable. Thus the ideal man is one who is sthetaprajna (established in the wisdom).

Chapter 4 – Work ethics

The Gita emphasizes that work ethics embraces work responsibility and recommends it for the attainment of self actualization. Nishkam karma means performing an action with loving attention. It leads to specialization of work.

Chapter 5 – Decision making

Gita explains about decision making criteria on the basis of Lok sangrah. In order to construct a decision model, one must identify the controller variables, determine the result and make a forecast about probabilities. Decision criteria changes according to the changes in the organization………………..

1.    Decision made under ambiguity (dmua) the criteria is best valued in matrix.

2.    Decisions made under risk (DMUR) require the criteria of first obtaining an expected value and then searching for procedure to attain it.

Chapter 6 – Motivation

Leadership behavior should be motivated by needs or desires to give, to sacrifice and to realize the welfare of all. The can.. motive presented by Bhagwat Gita is Nishkarm karm. Duty without attachment leads to supreme peace, happiness and detachment.

Chapter 7 – Communication

It is a process of achieving common understanding to create a certain effect. An effective communication demands prescription, personality and interpersonal style.

Chapter 8 – Business policy

Policy is written statement which reflects basic objectives of a plan and provide guidelines for selecting actions to achieve defined objectives. Most of the problems of business policy arise due to wrong orientation, inadequate philosophy of life, myopia of social objectives and wrong approach towards social cultural change. The old ideal of simple living and high thinking has today given place to complex living and low thinking. This is guiding the business policies of most of the multinational corporations resulting in materialism, pragmatism, utilitarianism.   

Chapter 8- Human relationships

In earlier days of industrial revolution, it was believed that boss had the absolute power to hire, fire and perspire the worker. However studies revealed through supportive leadership, management can provide each worker a climate to grow and accomplish in the interest of the organization the things which he is capable. In bhagwat gita Sri Krishna asks everyone to follow his duty as created by his nature and never look to another’s duty however glamorous or lucrative it may appear.” Devoted to his own duty, man attains highest perfection.

Chapter 9- Optimum Poll questionnaire

Questionnaire was prepared by the author section-wise, chapter-wise. Maximum agreement has been found over the following propositions:-

· Differences in management styles depend upon differences in the philosophy of life of the management leaders.

· Every human being must repay his debt to parents, teachers and society by fulfilling one’s duty to them

·  Bhagwat Gita may provide a better work ethics to coporate managers.

The following concepts of Bhagwat Gita have been rejected by our esteemed respondents:-

·  Nishkam Karma or non attachment to fruits of work.

·  Hierarchism in social and corporate life.

·  Concept of rebirth.

Chapter 11:- Concluding Remarks

This adoption of Gita Model of effective management leadership requires a change of attitude, beliefs and values right from the grass-root through a change in management education.

It is high time that the Indian education system right from the primary to university and management stage inculcate Gita philosophy, attitudes, values and beliefs among Indians so that through the process of Sanskaras so much emphasized by Gita, a new generation of management leaders and corporate personnel may develop in due course of time, for whom following of Gita model of management may be spontaneous. India will give birth to management leaders who may be able to fulfil their cultural specific roles not only on the Indian corporate scene; but in the total world of business management.