Sikh philosophy, one of the major spiritual-philosophical traditions of India, is often missing from discussions of cross-cultural philosophy. In his book, Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair provides the first rigorous engagement in the West with Sikh philosophy. Sensitive both to the historical formation of Sikh Philosophy and to the decolonial context in which he writes, he examines some of the key concepts of Sikh philosophy and how they inform its vision of life. The introduction helps the reader understand the place of Sikh Philosophy within modern Sikh studies and why the philosophical quest became marginalized in contemporary Sikh studies. It also makes the reader aware of the importance of looking beyond the well-trodden terrain of Hindu and Buddhist thinkers and involving Sikh philosophical thought in the emergent field of world philosophies. Come listen to Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair at 3D@VU and ask your question in the Q&A! 

During this event, you’ll also hear about the research of VU/AUC students Tanmay Chawla and Maria Wołczyk and VU researcher Merel Talbi into the library’s Special Collections. What’s more: you can leave the event with inspiring reading tips from the library's book collection.

About the speaker: Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair teaches at the University of Michigan, where he is Professor in Asian Languages and Cultures, and holds an Endowed Chair in Sikh Studies.

ONLINE PARTICIPATION

This is a hybrid event. Would you like to attend online? Please send an email to Michèle Meijer (VU Library) to receive the Zoom-link: [email protected].

PROGRAM

15:30-16:00 doors open (grab yourself a free snack and drink and make yourself comfortable)

16:00-16:30 presentations by Tanmay Chawla, Maria Wołczyk, and Merel Talbi on the Special Collections

16:30-17:30 Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair on his book Sikh Philosophy: Exploring gurmat Concepts in a Decolonizing World (incl. Q&A)