Paths to the Divine: An Introduction to World Religions expertly combines original writing and engaging primary source texts to familiarize students with the basic tenets of a variety of world religions. Beyond presenting foundational knowledge on religious traditions, the volume demonstrates how belief systems can shape both an individual's and a society's culture, worldviews, and sense of belonging. The book features distinct emphasis on the religious traditions of Asia, presenting readers with information on beliefs and practices that may be unfamiliar or new to them, expanding their understanding and appreciation of others' traditions. The book begins by introducing students to the basics of religion, including key concepts and features of religion, representations of the divine, and the connection between nature and religion in early traditions. Additional chapters provide students with valuable insight and enlightening readings on Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Chinese religion, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Throughout, key terms, contextual introductions, discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading are provided. Written to expand students' knowledge and understanding of global traditions, Paths of the Divine is an ideal text for introductory courses in humanities, theology, and world religions.

Defence of Europe by Sikh Soldiers in the World Wars is a fascinating history of the much-forgotten Sikh contribution to the two World Wars. Containing much new research and modern ideas, the book explores how an alliance with Britain enabled Sikhism to spread across the globe and Sikhs to step forward as global partners. Mohindra S. Chowdhry begins his book by exploring the Sikh revolt against the Mughal Empire. He demonstrates how this revolutionary movement proved not that Sikhs were opposed to Islam, but that Sikhism stood for basic human rights, liberty and freedom to follow the religion of their choice. The book also shows how Sikhs eventually allied themselves to the British, after first battling it out with them in the hills and plains of the Punjab. He describes the commonality between the two cultures and their ways of looking at life. This common ground developed into loyalty; a bond which gave the British access to a superb fighting force during the two World Wars, and an alliance which enabled the Sikh brotherhood to enter onto the world stage and has resulted in their spread across the globe. Mohindra concludes with the argument that it is the duty of Sikhs, inspired by deep-rooted principles of justice and equality, to take up the challenges wherever they are to participate in the mainstreams of political and social life.

Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha (1883-1942) was an exceptional ruler, a princely 'rebel' who resisted the paramount power in different ways. Forced to abdicate in 1923 ostensibly on account of 'maladministration', Ripudaman Singh was sent to Kodaikanal in 1928, where he died after 14 years in captivity without any recourse to judicial appeal. Set against the backdrop of Indian nationalism, Sikh resurgence, and British paramountcy, J.S. Grewal and Indu Banga trace the Maharaja's political career, revealing the devious ways in which the paramount power dealt with traditional nobility. They explore his career, education, and upbringing to explain his ideological stance, appreciation for Indian nationalism, and his active involvement in the Sikh reformist movement. Moved by Panthic and nationalist concerns, the Maharaja of Nabha bridged 'Indian India' and British India through the concerns he affirmed, reforms he introduced, and the causes he espoused as a patriot.

This book is written wholey by the holy spirit coming from Robert. He fist told me to write a book, then gave me the Title, then the Chapter headings. He then proceeded to tell me start chapter 1, then he said "That Is Enough, go to chapter 2." I was in what you might say an altered state of consciousness. It is a relaxed state, somewhat like regressing back to preious lifetimes....It is our Father's way of getting through to us with his message.

This book draws a nuanced picture of how the experience of migration affects the process through which Sikhs in Finland and California negotiate their identities. What makes this study innovative with regard to the larger context of migration studies is the contrast it provides between experiences at two Sikh migration destinations. By using an ethnographic approach, Hirvi reveals how practices carried out in relation to work, dress, the life-cycle, as well as religious and cultural sites, constitute important moments in which Sikhs engage in the often transnational art of negotiating identities. Laura Hirvis rich ethnographic account brings to the fore how the construction of identities is a creative process that is conditioned and infiltrated by questions of power. Identities in Practice will appeal to scholars who are interested in the study of cultures, identities, migration, religion, and transnationalism.

The book features collection of articles on Sikhism, a monotheistic, lay religion that professes quintessential spirituality and pragmatic religiosity and promotes altruism, egalitarianism, pluralism liberal, just polity and socio-cultural harmony.

Sikhs Across Borders is the first study to explore patterns of transnational practices among European Sikhs, with particular focus on the links between the Sikhs in Europe, Punjab (the 'home-land') and within a global Sikh community. The book illustrates how local and transnational spheres coexist and interact in a multitude of social and cultural practices and discourses among European Sikhs past and present. Based on new empirical research Sikhs Across Borders book explores how religion continues to play a significant role in the daily lives of European Sikhs and is important for their maintenance of links with the homeland, as well as Sikhs in other parts of the world. The team of international contributors show how Sikhs are shaping new self-representations and identity constructions through a multitude of transnational practices on the individual, national and global level, such as marriages, pilgrimage narratives, and the use of the internet and new media. Further transnational practices examined include religious learning and teaching practices and responses to political events in the diaspora.