Gurbani Hermeneutics
Course Title: Advanced Seminar: Gurbani Hermeneutics
Course Code: RELS 610 (or customizable per institution)
Course Description:
This advanced seminar explores the rich field of hermeneutics as applied to Sikh scripture. It delves into the methodologies and philosophical frameworks for interpreting Gurbani (the Sikh scriptural canon). It explores historical, linguistic, theological, and philosophical lenses for understanding shabad (divine word) with a focus on both traditional exegesis and contemporary academic approaches. Emphasis is placed on the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagats' bani, and the hermeneutic principles embedded in Sikh tradition. Focusing primarily on the Guru Granth Sahib, this course examines traditional and modern approaches to interpreting Gurbani. Topics include linguistic features, poetic structures, theological metaphors, historical exegesis, and contemporary interpretive frameworks. Participants will engage with classical commentaries, Sikh philosophy, and modern academic methods to develop a nuanced understanding of Gurbani.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will:
- Grasp foundational concepts in hermeneutics and their application to Sikh scripture.
- Critically analyze various hermeneutical traditions within Sikhism.
- Understand linguistic structures, metaphors, and symbols in Gurbani.
- Analyze the linguistic and poetic structure of Gurbani,
-
Differentiate between literal, allegorical, and mystical readings of the text.
- Evaluate classical Sikh exegetical traditions and compare them to contemporary methodologies.
- Interpret key themes and symbols in the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Develop and present original interpretations of Gurbani grounded in academic and spiritual perspectives.
- Engage with postcolonial, feminist, and interfaith hermeneutics in Sikh studies.
-
Develop personal frameworks for interpreting shabad in light of lived experience and Sikh praxis.
Key Modules:
-
Foundations of Hermeneutics in Sikh Tradition
- What is hermeneutics? Classical and Sikh perspectives
- The role of Gurmat as interpretive lens
- Guru Nanak’s epistemology of sabad-vichar
-
Linguistic Dimensions of Gurbani
- Grammar, syntax, and poetic forms (ragas, meters)
- Braj, Persian, Punjabi, and Sanskrit influences
- Multivocality and intertextuality in the Guru Granth Sahib
-
Exegetical Traditions in Sikh History
- Nirmala and Udasi interpretations
- Sampardai commentaries and oral transmission
- Bhai Gurdas and Bhai Mani Singh’s contributions
-
Modern Approaches to Gurbani Interpretation
- Colonial-era translations and their limitations
- Academic methodologies: textual criticism, semiotics, phenomenology
- Feminist and Dalit hermeneutics
-
Themes and Symbols in Gurbani
- Ik Oankar, Naam, Hukam, Shabad
- Metaphors: Ocean, Bridegroom, Mirror, Light
- Ethical and ontological symbols
-
Living the Shabad: Praxis-Oriented Hermeneutics
- Gurbani and Sikh ethics (rehit, seva, simran)
- Interpretation as a spiritual practice
- Engaging Gurbani in Sangat and personal devotion
-
Comparative Hermeneutics
- Engaging with Islamic, Hindu, and Christian interpretive paradigms
- Challenges of interfaith translations
- Multilingualism and cosmopolitanism in Sikh scripture
Assignments and Evaluation:
- Class Participation & Weekly Reflections: 20%
- Oral Presentation of a hermeneutical reading, Shabad Interpretation: 20%
- Seminar Paper Proposal (1,000 words): 10%
- Final Seminar Paper on a chosen interpretive issue or shabad (5,000–7,000 words): 40%
- Review and Feedback: 10%
Weekly Topics and Readings:
Week 1: Introduction to Hermeneutics and Sikh Scriptural Tradition
Readings: Excerpts from Gadamer's "Truth and Method"; Mandair, Ch. 1
Week 2: Epistemology of the Shabad in Guru Nanak's Thought
Readings: Japji Sahib with commentaries; Pashaura Singh on Guru Nanak
Week 3: Linguistic and Poetic Dimensions of Gurbani
Readings: Harinder Singh Mehboob, Balbir Singh excerpts
Week 4: Classical Exegetical Traditions: Nirmala, Udasi, and Bhai Gurdas
Readings: Selected Vaars of Bhai Gurdas; overview of Sampardai traditions
Week 5: Modern Academic Approaches
Readings: Mandair, Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh; Harjot Oberoi
Week 6: Major Themes: Naam, Hukam, Shabad, and Ik Oankar
Readings: Selected hymns on these themes; interpretive essays
Week 7: Metaphors and Symbols in Gurbani
Readings: Bride, Ocean, Light metaphors; philosophical analyses
Week 8: Comparative Hermeneutics and Interfaith Contexts
Readings: Excerpts from Hindu, Islamic, Christian texts; interfaith commentaries
Week 9: Praxis and Ethics: Living the Shabad
Readings: Sikh Rehat Maryada; readings on seva, simran, and sangat
Week 10: Feminist and Dalit Hermeneutics in Sikh Studies
Readings: Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh; Meena Kandasamy (comparative)
Week 11: Translation Theory and the Challenge of Gurbani in English
Readings: Examples of different translations; Mandair on linguistic limitations
Week 12: Student Presentations and Peer Feedback
Week 13: Final Seminar Paper Workshop
Week 14: Conclusion and Integration: Personal Hermeneutic Frameworks
Required Texts:
- Core Texts:
- Guru Granth Sahib (standard edition with transliterations or accessible version with transliteration and translation)
- “The Philosophy of the Guru Granth Sahib” – Balbir Singh
- “Sikh Scripture: A Hermeneutical Introduction” – Arvind-Pal S. Mandair
- Selected vaaran of Bhai Gurdas
- Supplementary readings from scholars like Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, Harjot Oberoi, and Surjit Hans
- Select articles and excerpts (to be provided via LMS)
Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. Plagiarism and cheating will result in disciplinary action.
Accessibility:
Students requiring accommodations should contact the instructor and relevant university support services.
Note:
This syllabus is subject to change with prior notice from the instructor.