BAUL PHILOSOPHY - THEIR LIFE AND EXISTENCE

                        

Baul religious and philosophical standpoints exist largely as an outcome of the commingling of Hinduism and Islam, containing as well some signs of Buddhist influence. Baul philosophy promotes a liberal view, renouncing caste and other social constructs in an effort to strip oneself of outside influence, revealing the moner manush (Eng: person of the heart). In this way Bauls focus heavily on the physical as the object of devotion. Their practice focuses heavily on the chaar-chand (Eng: four moons), representing the four fluids of the body and the naba-dwar (Eng: nine doors), representing the nine openings of the body. Another main philosophical theme lies in viewing the body as a microcosm for the universe, and in that way, everything in the universe is also contained in man. As such, the ‘moner manush’ is given the utmost respect by the Bauls, who feel that Bhagavan (Eng: the supreme being; the ultimate; absolute truth) can only be reached through the human form. In this way, Baul philosophy emphasizes love for all human beings. This, they feel, is the path leading to the Divine Love. Romantic love especially is viewed by Bauls as the link between God and man.

Bauls have a system of religious theology and practice that is characterized by the belief that God exists physically within the world, especially within the human body. This differs from more traditional Indian religious thought (both Vedic and dharmic) that understands the body as more Distant from the gods and emphasizes the importance of purity and transcendence of the physical world. For Bauls, the body is pure because the god is present. The teacher or guru is important because he can guide the student toward the vision of the god within (bhagavata darshan).

Bauls may live as religious ascetics or as laypeople. The householder Bauls live as married couples and perform daily rituals in their homes. The ascetic Bauls take initiation, often as renunciant vows (sannyasa diksha), and may wander through the countryside or live in the ashram orakhara(monastery). These ashrams are frequently supported by the local villagers. Bauls who wander from village to village may also contribute from their earnings from begging (madhukari) or singing.