Publisher's Synopsis
The Essential Gursikh Yogi: The Yoga and Yogis in the Past, Present and Future of Sikh Dharma is the first comprehensive study of the relationship between yogic thought, practice and yogis themselves with Sikhs in their 550-year tradition. It is based on some 300 quotes from Gurbani, including the entire Sidh Gosht and Anand Sahib, replete with harsh condemnations of shallow pretenders and evocations of profound states of yogic meditation.
This study would not be complete without an historical examination of the first, formative years of Sikh Dharma from the birth of Guru Nanak to the installation of Siri Guru Granth Sahib as Guru. The chapter "The Discretionary Power of the Saint" touches on the fascinating topic of spiritual powers. "Places of the Gursikh Yogis" conveys the revealing legacy passed down to us in the form of place made holy through their association with the Guru in history. "Postures of the Gursikh Yogis" shows how the protocol still observed in Gurdwaras today has something to say about the liberating path of the sadhu. "Ishnaan Daan" describes the healthful effects, as well as the social and historical context of this essential practice. In "The Body of Meditation" we describe the physiology of meditation was we now understand it, using western terminology. Included are the life stories of eight renowned Sikh sadhus: Baba Buddha Ji, Baba Harnam Singh Ji and Baba Nand Singh Ji, Baba Attar Singh Ji and Sant Teja Singh Ji, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh, Baba Darshan Singh Kuleewaalay Ji and Siri Singh Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogi Ji. Our journey continues with quotes by Siri Singh Sahib Ji divided into four sections: "Religion and Religions", "The Rishees of the Hindus", "The Yoga of the Gusikh" and "The Dawning of an Age". The collection finishes with four sacred kriyas taught by Siri Singh Sahib Ji, four poems in their original Punjabi, translated into English, and "The Song of the Khalsa" composed by his student, Mukhia Singh Sahib Livtar Singh Khalsa.
