Guru Nanak: The Enlightened Master
Author: 
Sreelata Menon
age group: 
12+ yrs
Number of pages: 
150
Publisher: 
Puffin
Themes:
religion Sikhism
Genre:
biography
 

 

The physical and spiritual journey of one of the world’s great leaders, one who successfully established a vibrant and thriving community of flowers – the Sikhs.

Guru Nanak was a much-loved child by his parents and doting older sister. However, early on in life, he demonstrated his spiritual leanings, his search for the truth, his distaste of rituals and empty traditions.

He was a seeker – a seeker of the truth and poured out the turmoil in his heart through his verse
‘Who made night and day
the days of the week, the seasons?
Who made the breezes blow; the aters flow
And the fires, the lower regions?
He who made them made the earth too.'

(From Nanak the Guru by Maya Dalal)

His message: “I am both Hindu and Muslim, or whatever other creed there may be. And so are all men and women. As far as God is concerned there is no difference. God is also neither Hindu nor only Muslim. His blessings extend to all those who live a life of compassion, truth and piety regardless of faith, religion or creed. He is the Creator and hence common to all.”

Thus he spoke, as, he walked across the lands crossing over to uncharted territories, as far as Iraq, discussing and explaining the truth.
His very inspiring inner and outer journey shines like a beacon calling forward people to shed their old bigoted ways and tread the path of love, sharing, mutual understanding and prayer – a prayer that comes from the heart and transcends all man-made boundaries of religion, countries and castes and creeds!

A book that should be read by all Indian and others too, in order to light the flame of love and understanding in the hearts of all mankind!
 

Reviewed by Shamim Padamsee