A Baul of Bengal
Bauls (Bengali: বাউল) are a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal. Bauls constitute both a syncretic religious sect and a musical tradition used as a vehicle to express Baul thought. The word " Baul " refers to three terms : betul, which means " mad ", " out of rhythm " ; vayu, " air ", or the inner flow of energy which gives life and harmony to all sentient beings ; and âuliyâ, a term of Arabic origin, which means " saint ", " holy man ". Bauls can come from a Hindu or a Muslim background ; in both cases, they are usually against orthodox practices and social institutions. They are continuously searching for Adhar Manush, the inner being which is inside of each human body, and this quest for love goes beyond all boundaries.
The way of the Bauls uses poetry, dance and singing as tools to reach that goal. Therefore Bauls used to wander from village to village and sing for the people who would give them alms for the maintenance of their everyday life. It is said that Bauls would accept only what they needed and refuse anything more than the strict minimum. Their only possessions were their clothes and musical instruments, as well as their songs and secret practices.
The costume of the Bauls is very simple : many Bauls wear safran clothes, a long stiched piece of cotton patchwork covering their body from the shoulder to below the knees, a turban on their head and a mark on their forehead.
A Baul of Bengal
Bauls (Bengali: বাউল) are a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal. Bauls constitute both a syncretic religious sect and a musical tradition used as a vehicle to express Baul thought. The word " Baul " refers to three terms : betul, which means " mad ", " out of rhythm " ; vayu, " air ", or the inner flow of energy which gives life and harmony to all sentient beings ; and âuliyâ, a term of Arabic origin, which means " saint ", " holy man ". Bauls can come from a Hindu or a Muslim background ; in both cases, they are usually against orthodox practices and social institutions. They are continuously searching for Adhar Manush, the inner being which is inside of each human body, and this quest for love goes beyond all boundaries.
The way of the Bauls uses poetry, dance and singing as tools to reach that goal. Therefore Bauls used to wander from village to village and sing for the people who would give them alms for the maintenance of their everyday life. It is said that Bauls would accept only what they needed and refuse anything more than the strict minimum. Their only possessions were their clothes and musical instruments, as well as their songs and secret practices.
The costume of the Bauls is very simple : many Bauls wear safran clothes, a long stiched piece of cotton patchwork covering their body from the shoulder to below the knees, a turban on their head and a mark on their forehead.