The Meaning of Sikh Baptism

BHAI SAHIB RANDHIR SINGH (1878-1961) was an outstanding freedom-fighter and a great saint and theologian who has made a lasting contribution to the religious and cultural revival in Punjab, and was one of the first few Punjabi revolutionaries who staked their life and career to bring about political awakening and win freedom for their country. Son of a High Court Judge and educated in Govt. College and Mission College, Lahore, Bhai Randhir Singh ushered a moral and spiritual revival which set into motion what later on came to be known as Gurdwara Reform Movement. In the Rakabganj Affair (1913) it was his stern challenge to the British Government and stirring call to the people to organize resistance, which prevented the further desecration of the historic shrine.


This book is a short dialogue which took place in a prison cell in the summer of 1922 between a rational minded enquirer and an illumined saint-scholar bringing out some of the hitherto unrecorded aspects of Sikh baptism. This discussion between the author, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh and his prison companion in the Indian Freedom Movement, Bhai Kartar Singh, took place in the Rajahmundry Jail in Andhra State of India. One day Bhai Kartar Singh was reciting the Sukhmani (prayer of peace by Guru Arjan Dev), on hearing which Bhai Randhir Singh remarked, "There is devotion and eager thirst, but how sad that there is no aesthetic and spiritual flavour (Rasa) in this recitation." These words created a disturbing agony in the mind of Bhai Kartar Singh. He began to reflect seriously over his spiritual shortcomings, and he wanted to know what aesthetic and spiritual flavour (Rasa) actually was? It led to a brief but thought provoking discussion with Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh about Sikh Baptism and aesthetic experiences of Sikh mysticism. 


This is the second electronic publication (the first was the famous Autobiography of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh) of this nature by Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Trust UK (Registered Charity No: 1144954). With the blessings of the Almighty and support of the Sangat, we can hopefully publish more of Bhai Sahib’s work in this way. Any proceeds and donations will go towards making more work of this nature available and for other charitable causes. For more information, feedback, contribute and to get involved you can contact us through our website www.bsrstrust.org or email info@bsrstrust.org.