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Rehras Sahib & Sohila
A Review by Dr. Rajindarjit Kaur
Author: Maneshwar Singh Chahal
Publisher:Fine Publishing
Pages: 280
This book is the fourth in the series named 'Way to God in Sikhism' by Maneshwar Singh Chahal.
The wide popularity received by the previous three texts has encouraged Mr Chahal to write the current book. His earlier writing on Japji Sahib in two editions has also received great reader- response, which is an ample tribute to his hard work and deep thought. Thereafter, the translations of Aasa di Vaar and Jaap Sahib in English are the second and the third books in the series which had been a great success.
The author, in this book, has translated with great devotion the evening prayers of Rehras Sahib in simple words in English. This is a successful endeavour to connect our third generation with Bani. Also this text will prove effective in meeting the outcome of spreading the message of Bani in English around the world.
The author has successfully attempted to clarify the meaning of 'Rehras' by referring to Reht Maryada, Bhai Gurdas's works, and Rehtnamas.
Pages 24 to 217 carry the interpretation of the shabads of Rehras Sahib in English. On pages 218-222 is the English interpretation of the Salok 'Dukh daru sukh rog bhya…' which comes before the shabad 'So Dar' in Rehras. Pages 223 to 231 have the interpretation of the last three shabads of Rehraas. The author has also provided simple meanings of Keertan Sohila in pages 235 to 273.
There is a pronunciation guide on pages 275-276 which makes Punjabi words easy to understand in the Roman script. In the end is a bibliography of 34 books, which the author has referred to in his work.
While reading this work, one can sense the author's desire to enrich the world by sharing the priceless heritage of Sikh religion in a language being understood by the majority. There is no doubt that the readers of English are more than the readers of Punjabi. Therefore, this book will be read at an international level, and would cater to wise and enlightened readers and researchers.
The vocabulary used in this book is scholarly but simple. The author has provided meanings of difficult words to ease the understanding of the depth of this Bani.
This book deserves to receive a warm and welcoming response.
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