The Socially Involved Renunciate is an in-depth analysis and an original English translation of theSiddh Goṣṭ, a fundamental philosophical text of the Sikh tradition. The work reflects the distinctive worldview of Sikhism, the only major Indian religion that does not regard asceticism as a legitimate path to liberation.

Composed by Guru Nānak, a medieval, north Indian saint-poet and venerated founder of the Sikh tradition, theSiddh Goṣṭ is a dialogue between Guru Nānak and several Nāth yogis who had been pursuing a rigorous path of hath-yoga as renunciates of the material world. Through their dialogue, Guru Nānak teaches the Nāth yogis a spiritual path that also includes involvement in the social world and offers a practical way to achieve liberation. In The Socially Involved Renunciate, Kamala Elizabeth Nayar and Jaswinder Singh Sandhu provide background on Sikhism, highlight the ethical teachings expounded in theSiddh Goṣṭ, and demonstrate how Guru Nānak reconciles the polarities of the ascetic and householder ideals.

List of Illustrations
Preface
Note on Translation

PART 1: INTRODUCTION

1. The Quest for Liberation in Indian Religions

PART 2: SETTING THE STAGE FOR SIDDH GOST

2. The Nath Tradition and Hath-Yoga

3. Guru Nanak: Doctrine, Hagiography, and History

4. The Context ofSiddh Gost

PART 3: THE MEANING OF GURU NANAK’S SIDDH GOST

5. Guru Nanak’s Worldview: Theory and Practice

6. Renunciation and Social Involvement inSiddh Gost

PART 4: SIDDH GOST

Discourse to the Nath Yogis, an English Translation

I. The Meeting
II. The Path
III. A Gurmukh
IV. The Source
V. Truth
VI. Immersion
VII. Creation
VIII. EkOankar
IX. The Sacred Word
X. Grace
XI. Awareness
XII. Liberation

Notes
Glossary of Punjabi Terms
Bibliography
Index