Death & Dying in the Sikh Tradition

Book excerpt: What is the Sikh view of death? What does the Sikh view of death and dying tell us about the core beliefs, teachings and ethics of the faith? The answers lie within this book by Mina Singh, author of Ceremonies of the Sikh Wedding. In this book readers will find an understanding of the fundamentals of the faith preached by Guru Nanak, and by the light of these they will be prompted to reconsider their own perspective on death and also on life. They can wisely prepare themselves for the moment of dying and encourage others to do the same. This book opens readers to novel truths and insights embedded deep within the poetry and mysticism of the Sikh scripture, the Granth Sahib. Readers will also find this book helpful in understanding the funeral rites of the Sikhs and finding consolation after the death of someone whose loss they find difficult to bear. Ranging from right conduct to mystical devotion, the Sikh perspective outlined in this book will encourage readers, who are adherents of other religions, to reflect on their own beliefs. Page upon page of the Sikh holy book records the understanding of Nanak, Kabir, Farid, and others, of the true value of human life, which is grasped through an acceptance of its transience. As both the teachings of the ten Gurus and the events of history following the death of Guru Nanak have been important in shaping Sikhism, this book also deals with the influence on Sikhism of various streams, within Hinduism and Islam. A comparison with the views of these two faiths, and a positive look at death in martyrdom, are other contributions made by this book for the benefit of all.