In the summer of 1982, Professor Harbans Singh was somehow pre­vailed upon to leave the campus of the Punjabi University, Patiala, where he devotes himself to working on the Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, to deliver a series of lectures at Berkeley, California. The University has cause to be congratulated upon its success in persuading the Professor to give the lectures. By no means all lectures are worthy of publication, even as articles in a journal, but the essays here portray a brief, clear and analytical introduction to Sikhism. Such outlines are rare and for that reason alone would be worth cherishing. Here is a carefully considered appraisal by a Sikh scholar who has devoted his life to the study of his religion and to laying it before others, especially those who are not his co-religionists. Born of experience and maturity, this book is far more than the often rehearsed story. It is an examination of major events and influences which have made Sikhism what it now is. About the Author Harbans Singh (6 March 1921-30 May 1998) was the scholar of Sikh studies and Punjabi language and culture, and is the editor-in-chief of the Encyclopaedia of Sikhism. He delivered lectures on Sikhism across different parts of the world, Japan, Belgium, the Netherlands, England, Ireland, and the US. Similar to the model of Hebrew University, Israel, he was the pioneer to establish Punjabi University, Patiala to facilitate and promote Punjabi language, literature, and culture in academic circles. He wrote popular books on Sikhism, notably Guru Nanak and Origins of the Sikh Faith; Guru Gobind Singh (which was translated into 14 Indian languages) and The Heritage of the Sikhs. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from Guru Nanak Dev University till his death in 1998.