The mystic in perspective

Local artistes sing a Lalon song. Photo: STAR

'Lalon Sandhya', an event dedicated to the mystic bard Lalon, was held recently in Barisal calling for a study of his philosophy to combat religious fundamentalism and prevent commercialisation of Lalon's songs.
Gano Shilpi Sangstha organised the programme at Ashwini Kumar Hall in the city. The event was presided over by Shanti Das, president of the organisation.
Among others, Akkas Hossain, Manabendra Batobayal and Nazrul Islam Chunnu discussed the life and philosophy of Lalon.
The speakers said Lalon sought to answer universal and existentialist questions beyond any particular religious faith.
Lalon believed in a loving relationship between the benevolent creator and his creation, and believed that a person who refuses to respect and honour humanity goes against the creator, they explained.
Lalon uniquely combined both esoteric discourses and the tradition of mendicant singers. His songs were popular but at the same time esoteric with metaphoric riddles and enigmas, which needed deep study to reveal meaning and practice, said the discussants told.
Lalon composed a large body of songs, and around 530 of them are known to date. But many more remain unlisted in the oral tradition among mendicant Baul-Fakir singers.
The inner meanings of Lalon's songs were not known to the common people. Uninitiated people become charmed by the poetic beauty of these songs without at all being aware of their subtexts. So Lalon's songs should be studied deeply, the speakers stressed.
After the discussion Sayambhu Sarkar, Purba Sarkar Payel, Roni Haoladar, Sanjoy performed Lalon songs.