By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Karminder Singh Dhillon has once again demonstrated his commitment to deepening contemporary understanding of Sikh scriptures with the release of the second edition of his translations of key portions of the Guru Granth Sahib—produced within a relatively short span of five years.
The second edition of Understanding Nitnem: Jap, Sodar and Sohela (346 pages) and Understanding Anand (179 pages) are now available in the market. (Price: RM100 for delivery in Malaysia; Click here for more details.)
“The first edition published in 2020 generated useful and insightful feedback from readers. A revision was necessary if that feedback was to be meaningfully incorporated,” Karminder told Asia Samachar.
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The decision to produce revised editions was further informed by two extensive seminar series conducted in Malaysia in 2024 and 2025, titled Understanding Gurbani for Yourself. Across 32 sessions, these seminars generated new insights into the methodology of engaging with Gurbani. Karminder said these reflections made it important to revisit and refine the original texts.
The retired Malaysian civil servant appears to be channelling significant energy into strengthening the quality and accessibility of Sikhi-focused literature. The first editions of both titles, published in 2020, sold out by 2022.
“There was sustained demand for both books. The choice was either to reprint the first edition or to improve upon it and issue a second edition,” he said.
In the second edition, both books feature a rewritten and expanded chapter detailing the methodological framework used. Additional notes have been introduced, while existing notes have been expanded to better explain why specific verses are translated in particular ways. Several translations have also been refined to improve readability where necessary.
These publishing efforts have taken place alongside Karminder’s other commitments, including the production of educational videos on key Sikhi topics and his role as editor of the quarterly Sikh Bulletin, which has featured widely read essays such as When I Die and Guru Nanak’s Concept of God. He has also continued to speak at seminars and gurdwaras.
Each verse is presented with its literal and spiritual meanings, supplemented—where appropriate—by idiomatic and metaphorical explanations. Extensive notes are provided to help readers grasp the tatt gurmat (core Gurmat) messages within the verses. The methodology employed, termed the Gurbani Framework, is based on ten guiding principles, chief among them the use of Gurbani to interpret Gurbani.
The newly revised titles form part of an original set of five books first published in November 2020. The other three titles are The Hijacking of Sikhi (second edition published earlier), Understanding Sidh Goshat (271 pages), and Understanding Asa Di Vaar (289 pages).
In 2022, Karminder released a further set of five works: Selected Sikhi Concepts (315 pages), Selected Gurbani Shabds, Understanding Salok Bhagat Kabir Ji Ke (272 pages), Understanding Salok Sheikh Fareed Ke (164 pages), and Understanding Salok Mahala 9 (112 pages).
All books are sold on a zero-profit basis, with no royalty paid to the author.
Order Online From
https://sikhivicharforum.org/store/
Distributors in Malaysia:
Sikhi Vichar Forum, 7318, Jalan 7, Taman Selayang Baru, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact: Gyani JS Arshi (Tel: 016-611-4397)
Preton Singh (Tel: 016-216-2474)
5, Jalan SS 17/2C, 47500 Subang Jaya, Subang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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