Course Description

This course is based on the Bani of Lav from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Revealed by Guru Ramdas Sahib in rag Suhi, the Bani of Lav is mostly known and associated with the ceremony of marriage. The Bani itself is rarely read and interpreted independently; most often than not we usually look for directions for a conjugal relationship in it. While that is also a good practice, but in doing so, we ignore the significance of the Bani and its original message that sets the path and the step to a lasting and blissful relationship with the Divine.

The current course explores various dimensions of Lav, including the themes, message, vocabulary and the steps explained towards that lasting relationship.

The course attempts to connect the dots in each stanza, as it unfolds an individual’s journey from worldly affairs towards his/her permanent destination, that is the Divine home, or the in-law’s home as culturally understood and employed in Gurbani. In the process, it may also help us draw meaningful parallels with a conjugal relationship relevant to a marriage for a lifelong connection.

While interpreting Lav, the course takes a few principle terms from each stanza and explores their etymology and significance in the Bani to impart new vocabulary.


We sincerely hope that you will find the course helpful and educative.


Sponsors:

This course has been made possible by the generous support of Paramjit Singh and Dr. Jaswinder Kaur Singh, Eugene OR.


Instructor

Surender Pal Singh

Surender Pal Singh is a researcher in Sikh studies. He serves as Content Manager at the Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI), where he develops curriculum, presentations, and research papers on Sikh history and culture. He teaches a course on Gurbani at Sidak, an annual leadership program by SikhRI. He is the co-author of Gurbani linguistics book Guru Granth Sahib – Its Language and Grammar and Workbook Gurbani Language and Grammar. He has over seven years of experience in teaching Gurbani linguistics and fifteen years of experience in teaching Sikh theology and culture. He received Master of Arts in English and Religious Studies. He lives in Panjab.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Readings

    • Reading 1: Bani (Gurmukhi), Transcription & Translation

    • Transcription Guidlines (SikhRI)

    • Reading 2: Interpretation - Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh

    • Reading 3: Interpretation by Prof. Sahib Singh

    • Reading 4: Interpretation by Giani Haribans Singh
  • 2

    Lav

    • Introduction

    • Etymology

    • Select Vocabulary
  • 3

    Pahilari Lav (First Lav)

    • Pronunciation

    • Interpretation

    • Summary
  • 4

    Dujari Lav (Second Lav)

    • Pronunciation

    • Interpretation

    • Summary
  • 5

    Tijari Lav (Third Lav)

    • Pronunciation

    • Interpretation

    • Summary
  • 6

    Cauthari Lav (Fourth Lav)

    • Pronunciation

    • Interpretation

    • Summary
  • 7

    Lav Summary

    • Summary