SS 201 | Intro to Japu Ji Sahib
This course explores Guru Nanak's Japu Ji Sahib - the foundational composition of Sikh scripture (gurbāṇī).
In order to unpack this composition we will be traversing half a dozen commentaries, both precolonial and modern renditions - providing you with a solid foundational grasp of the text's meanings, spirit, and structure.
Module 1 video will launch August 17th - subsequent Modules will be available at the beginning of each following week.
The first live discussion and Q&A session will take place August 24th, 10-11:30am Pacific time.
Course Modules
Module 1 - The Root - The Mūl Mantra
Module 2 - The Divine Command ("Hukam") & the Name ("Nām")
Module 3 - Listening, Accepting, Practicing
Module 4 - Action, Devotion, and Wisdom (karam, bhakti, gyān)
Module 5 - 'That Door' (So Dar) & Convos with Yogis
Module 6 - The Five Realms (khaṇḍs)
Course Structure
- Each module will feature a pre-recorded lecture (90-120 min each) - to be watched asynchronously - this is paired with a live 90 min discussion on Zoom
- Lectures will be released at the beginning of each week, starting August 17th, 2025
- 6 Live Discussion and Q&A Sessions (90 min)
- Sundays @ 10:00-11:30am Pacific Time (California).
- Aug 24th, Aug 31st, Sept 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.
- These sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing
- All live sessions will take place via Zoom and will be recorded for later viewing
- Each module will feature translated excerpts from commentaries (listed below)
- Access to a community forum where discussions can take place regarding the course material
- Taught by Dr. Jvala Singh
Multiple Pronged Approach:
The course will use Dr. Nikky Guninder Kaur Singh's translation of Japu Ji Sahib as the base text - all materials will be provided.
To decolonize our approach to Japu Ji Sahib we will be including various precolonial commentaries (see right). Excerpts from these texts will be translated into English and provided in class. Paired with these texts, modern renditions including Osho's version, The True Name.
The beginning of the course will dive deep into the process of translation and the nature of poetry - informing our approach throughout the course.
Commentaries Explored:
- Bhai Mani Singh Shahid (attributed) - 18th century
- Anandghan Udasi - late 18th century
- Kavi Santokh Singh (1829)
- Tara Singh Narotam Nirmala (late 1800s)
- Giani Badan Singh (Faridkot Tika) (early 1900s)
- Bhai Vir Singh (20th century)
- Amir Bhaṇḍār (20th century)
- Professor Sahib Singh (20th century)
