A ‘Summary of the Charitropakhyan written by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’ is an English translation from part of Dasam Granth Bodh 2 by Giani Mal Singh Kesgarh Sahib Wale. Kamalpreet Singh Pardeshi Nirmala has translated this piece of work in order to make the messages of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Charitropakhyan more accessible to an English speaking audience. This book covers the first 149 Charitars.
Unfortunately today many Sikhs have formed negative beliefs regarding the Charitropakhyan, many of which are baseless and influenced by the words of others, rather than forming these beliefs by true study and analysis of the Guru’s Bani.
This book introduces the Charitropakhyan as a series of tales narrated by a minister to a King. These tales are a summary of the varying types of deception which exist in the world, many of which are highly relevant to life today. Gyani Mal Singh highlights that these writings are consistent with the writings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, drawing upon the first Guru’s writings to illustrate that graphic tales of deception are present in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. As such the writings of both Gurus reflect things which happen in real life and therefore shouldn’t be dismissed by Sikhs today. For example, Guru Gobind Singh Ji writes about the hypocrisy of people who dress religiously but act in a depraved manner. He comments on the various manner in which both men and women deceive each other. He draws upon examples of bravery and examples of foolishness from throughout the ages. As we go about our complex lives, the examples used by the Guru can be applied to situations we come across every day.
As well as summarising the meanings of each Charitar, Gyani Mal Singh explains the context and wider story behind the stanzas. Additionally there are useful footnotes which provide explanations of some of the terminology used and characters referenced. This makes the book a valuable introduction to the Charitropakhyan for those who may not be completely familiar with Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji. The translation of this work by Kamalpreet Singh Pardeshi Nirmala into English now ensures that the masses can study the deeper meanings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s writings conveniently and with lens of wisdom provided by Gyani Mal Singh Ji. This will do much to rectify the mistaken beliefs held by many young Sikhs today about the Charitropakhyan. We look forward to reading and reviewing the rest of the Charitropakhyan series in the future.
This book can be purchased here.
Sikhi Book Club 