Sikhism: the Path of Love and Service

Sikhism is a spiritual, religious, and philosophical path that originated in the Punjab region of India at the end of the fifteenth century CE. Dr. Veena Howard, a scholar of the Dharma traditions of India and of Gandhi’s philosophy, will offer spiritual insights into the Sikh tradition. Drawing upon her experiences growing up in India, she will show how the universal teachings of Sikhism — from the remembrance of the True Name to the practice of selfless service — embody both mystical depth and a world-affirming philosophy. She will also relate the teachings of Sikhism to a modern Sant tradition of Bihar, in which she was raised, highlighting resonances between the two. Dr. Howard will be participating via Zoom and will take questions from the live audience.

Dr. Veena Howard, Ph.D., is the Chair of the Philosophy department at Fresno State University, where she is also a professor of Asian Religious Traditions, holds the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma and serves as the director of the M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner Peace and Sarvodaya. Among several other works she has edited or led, in 2017 Dr. Howard published Dharma, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh Traditions of India.