Dorothy Field (The Religion of Sikhs)

Another scholar, Dorothy Field in her book, "The Sikh Religion," writes:

"Pure Sikhism is far above dependence on Hindu rituals and is capable of a distinct position as a world religion so long as Sikhs maintain their distinctiveness. The religion is also one which should appeal to the occidental mind. It is essentially a practical religion. If judged from the pragmatic standpoint which is a favorite point of view in some quarters, IT WOULD RANK ALMOST FIRST IN THE WORLD (emphasis by the author). Of no other religion can it be said that it has made a nation in so short a time.

The religion of the Sikhs is one of the most interesting at present existing in India, possibly indeed in the whole world. A reading of the Granth strongly suggests that Sikhism should be regarded as a new and separate world religion rather than a reformed sect of Hinduism.

It will be seen that the work of Guru Gobind Singh was somewhat different to that of the other Gurus. His special task was to protect the sect at a moment when it might have perished and for this work he is worthy to stand by Nanak, the founder of the whole movement. It must not be imagined that because he was a fine warrior, he was less spiritual or less religious than his predecessors. He made religious fervour the backbone of all his warlike doctrines. Gobind Singh quite naturally grafted his praise of the sword and his promises of rewards for valour on the quietistic (passive) doctrines of Nanak."

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She writes that, "Sikh fighters are neither cruel nor uncivilized, but they fight for the justice of their rights which is based on just methods. After studying Sikh religion and Guru Granth Sahib, she writes with reverence that Sikh religion should be considered a new and distinct world religion. The power of Sikh religion is so much that it influences those people of the West who have a practical approach towards life. This religion is definitely a practical religion. If perceived from the behavioral point of view, then in some spheres, Sikh religion stands ahead of other religions of the world."