The Vital Anjan is a digital journal of GurSikh ideas, culture, & affairs.
‘Anjan’ is an Indic word for a salve applied to the eyes. Mystics of early modern South Asia—notably including the Gurūs of the Sikhs—employed ‘anjan’ as a metaphor for the healing wisdom that enables one to perceive reality. WhileThe Vital Anjan begins from a recognition of the world’s profound axiological distemper, it rejects fatalism since the healing wisdom of the Gurūs is perennial. Founded in the United States in November 2020, The Vital Anjan publishes original work (long form essays, social commentary, narrative non-fiction, investigative reports, interviews, translations, short stories, and poems) as well as criticism (book, film, visual art, music, podcast, and exhibition reviews). Inspired by Gurū Nanak’s udāsīs, this journal encourages comparative engagement with other traditions, and following the editorial precedent of Gurū Arjan Dev and Gurū Gobind Singh, welcomes voices beyond the GurSikh tradition where they further our shared quest for truth. Ultimately, The Vital Anjan aims to advance a renaissance in GurSikh affairs by renewing the fantastic sweep of the GurSikh imaginary. Comments, inquiries, & submissions are welcome at editor@vitalanjan.com.