Singapore Slingh Dasam Granth (Prologue)

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa;
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

For the past year or so, I have been reading up on Dasam Granth Sahib. So far, I have read all of it, except its biggest chapter CharitoPakhyan (as it is very difficult to find resources online that can translate it to English).

Before I go on and start my own opinions about the various chapters in Dasam Granth Sahib, I would like to refer to Dasam Granth itself, its controversies and why I started reading it.

The controversy

Dasam Granth is a collection of Bani by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. It is written separately from Sri Gurun Granth Sahib Ji, where only one Dohra (couplet) is attributed to our Tenth Master.  It is written in different chapters. In my opinion, it is also mean to be written in smaller different Granths as each chapter is unique. Also, SGGS Ji is largely written in Raags, DGS is mainly written in Chands.

There was / is a lot of controversy about its authenticity. Some say that since Guru Gobind Singh Ji did not add his bani into the SGGS Ji, hence why should he set aside a completely different Granth for his writings?  Some question why Dasam Granth is more akin to Holy books of other religions which are story-based; as compared to SGGS Ji which is much more philosophical and its writings in its entirety are about God.

Proponents of DGS argue that since the Amrit Banis, of which Jaap Sahib, Tav Prasad Savaiye and Chaupai Sahib are Dasam Bani, are not refuted, why should Akal Ustat and CharitoPakhyan? Also we start the Ardas with the first Pauri of Chandi di Vaar, why should we not believe in Chandi di Vaar fully? In every version of the Rehraas (there are a few); we read the Savaiye (pahe gage..); why don't we then accept the chapter of the 24 Avtaars? Also,

This debate has been settled by the Akal Takhat  and I think we as Sikhs should follow suit. Lets stop this bickering and the division of our Panth. And rather than saber rattling, lets put it this way. Read Dasam Granth Sahib fully, if you disagree, do so. But do not insist on others in doing so.

Dasam Granth Sahib Ji shown beside Guru Granth Sahib Ji in an old painting.

Personal Journey

Initially, reading comments online, I was vehement against the DGS. I am one who is strictly monotheist and do not believe in the Hindu Gods and Goddess. I am a man of strict logic which was why I really liked the straight forward nature of Sikhi; Naam, Seva and standing up for what is right even when it is tough and not ask anything back in return. DGS was portrayed as something completely different; and in many ways it is.

It was my Mama G, (mother's brother); who really opened my eyes. For all DGS doubters take note of this logic. If you are correct that the DGS is not written by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, then you are smarter than a lot of people out there and fools read the DGS. But if you are wrong, you have insulted the words of our Tenth Master. Would you want to risk that?

As I read on the DGS, there are parts that are absolutely beautiful and some others that, I myself wonder why its there. One would realize reading DGS is that other than Chandiji, no other diety is perfect in Guru Ji's eyes other than ChandiJi; and even then, Guru Gobind Singh Ji notes that she also was made. She also has a Joon and is not Ajooni (as in mool mantar)

Lastly, I would like to stress that the fact that I am not a Gyani, a learned person and definitely not a Maha-Purakh. I am just a Sikh that read the DGS and wants to share what I think about it.

Bhulla Chuka Ma'af.