The Tradition
Baul is a Yoga-Bhakti tradition with its roots found in the ancient Sahajia path of Buddhist practitioners and Natha yogis who composed their spiritual realizations in the form of mystical poetry. After its integration into Vaishnava path under the aegis of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Nithyananda Mahaprabhu, Bauls were recognised as Vaishnava Sahajia. At a later date, as interaction with Islamic spiritual streams unfolded, unique Fakir traditions emerged that still hold the essence of Sahajia path at its core. Sahajia means the path of togetherness, therefore Baul path is identified as the path of Jugal (Yugal) i.e in Union.
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Baul philosophy rendered in the form of Mahajaner Pad, the song of the great masters, is imbued with Divine intoxication. This sacred poetry intensely appeals to the facet of Divinity that is immanent and universal, often referred to with the word Manush. Like all ancient traditions Baul teachings too are passed on via age old Guru-Sishya parampara . A student is initiated and is expected to traverse the path of inner journey as guided by the Guru and also take responsibility of furthering the tradition by being the sincere lineage holder. Thus Guru-yog plays a central role in the world of Bauls.
With the passage of time and challenges of modernity, Bauls increasingly came to be recognised as just folk performing artists tradition of Bengal. Scholarship about Baul tradition suffered due to a lack of authentic representation given from an emic perspective. Despite such a vibrant history of Yogic and Bhakti strands, it was never recognised for its own gigantic spiritual contribution. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sri Rabindranath Tagore held Bauls in such high regard. Baul Yogis, in a silent way, nourished the spiritual thirst of Bengal for centuries.
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Ma Parvathy Baul commenced her journey as a Baul practitioner at the tender age of sixteen years. She was formally initiated into the path by Sri Sanatan Das Baul and later was nurtured by her shiksha guru Sri Shashanko Goshai. For over two decades, she has been a tireless ambassador of Baul path, both nationally and internationally. In the year 2019, She was conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of her service to this ancient tradition.
