The power of storytelling meets the colorful history of the Sikh faith in The Story of the Sikhs, a new podcast. Season One, which consists of ten episodes, is now availabe to listeners everywhere. Drawing upon traditional historical sources, the podcast blends storytelling with Sikh sacred music and the classical music of the Indian subcontinent. The Story of the Sikhs endeavors to create awareness about Sikhism, the youngest world religion, which is not very well understood, particularly in the West.
According to Dr. Harpreet Singh, Harvard University, "The Story of the Sikhs is a tour de force that helps us re-imagine thelives of the Sikh Gurus through rich narrative that will appeal to a wide audience. One us immediately struck by the nuanced portrayal of the stories that are part of a genre called the Janamsakhi and also the social milieu in which they are situated. By weaving a multi-dimensional tapestry of narrative and music, the podcast recreates a historyical past that has much relevance to both our present and future."
The focus on storytelling makes the podcast accessible to a variety of listeners. In the words of Dr. Michael Hawley, mount Royal University, Calgargy, "The writing and narration in The Story of the Sikhs are enticing, bringing life and feeling to 'the story's players'. The pace of the narration is deliberate, allowing the listener to not only follow the narrative, but to connect emotionally to the tale. There is a good balance in the story - it speaks to the older and younger audiences, as well as to Sikh and non-Sikh audiences."
"The Story Of The Sikhs", was launched on February 15, 2018 at an event organized by the Sikh student group at Northeastern University in Boston. In the words of Alex Ker, Executive Director of the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service, "For the religions of the world, storytelling is as essential as the food we eat or the air we breathe. Stories are essential for spiritual nourishment, dialogue, and the work of building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. The Story of the Sikhs is a rich feast to savor, one that enriches our understadng of the past and sustains us for hte long shared journey ahead".
Noted journalist, Beena Sarwar spoke at the even and introduced the podcast.
You can hear he podcast on itunes, google play, stitcher, podbean or wherever you get your podcasts.
For more information about "The Story Of The Sikhs, visit giaea.com
Listeners can connect with the author/narrator on facebook and twitter
---------------------------------------------------------
Below is a brief description of the first five episodes:
(1) A Prophet Emerges
As Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty overruns northern India, he encounters a holy man who fearlessly confronts him and chides him for his cruelty. The name of the holy man is Guru Nanak, who is on the path to establishing a new world religion, Sikhism. The story shifts to the childhood of young Nanak, a precocious lad of spiritual bent who fearlessly challenges inequality and superstition. As a young man Nanak lays the foundation of an important institution that will go on to define the faith he is to create. Nanak has a spiritual epiphany that gives him a sense of mission and inspires him to set forth on a journey that is the start of a social revolution.
(2) The Wanderers
With his faithful companion, Mardana the minstrel in tow, Nanak sets out on a series of journeys that will last for decades and will bring him to wondrous places as he develops bold new ideas and creates the institutions which will ensure their propagation and survival. Nanak fearlessly confronts superstition and ritualism as he travels to the storied places of worship of his time.
(3) The Darb Al Hajj
Nanak travels to the far reaches of the Eastern Himalayas, where he is hailed as Nanak Rimpoche, an emanation of the Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. After his return to his homeland, he dons the garb of a Muslim pilgrim and sets out on the ancient Indo-Egyptian trade route to journey to Mecca. This will be his last great journey and on his return he will establish the town of Kartarpur.
(4) The Passing of the Torch
Guru Nanak settles down in Kartarpur, initiating a period of institutional development that will last for almost two centuries. The task of giving shape to a new world religion has begun. As the time approaches for Guru Nanak to depart, he anoints one of his beloved followers, Angad as the next Guru, ensuring that the fledgling faith he has created will survive and thrive.
(5) The Sanctuary of the Homeless
Guru Angad nurtures the faith that his late master entrusted him with, giving the gift of music to his followers and creating a new script for the preservation of the sacred writings of the Sikhs. In the tradition of Guru Nanak, he chooses Amardas, his humblest and most faithful disciple to succeed him as the next Guru, bypassing his own sons.
