Mysticism in Lalon and Tagore: A question of textual Influence and Intertextuality

Abstract

Lalon shai, his philosophy and contribution in Bengali literature is vast; he is the "Guru" of Baul music in Bangladesh. Lalon‟s song creates a huge impact in Bengali literature; but, his philosophy and "Sadhana" (Meditation) is unknown to many people, the esoteric meaning of his songs is unknown to the general people. Hence, many intellectuals have followed Lalon shai in many ways, Rabindranath Tagore included; yet, the similarities of Tagore's and Lalon's literature is a topic which is undiscussed in English literature. So, this thesis will give an idea of "Textual influence" and "Intertextual relationship", of Lalon and Tagore's literature, primarily songs.In my thesis paper, I will describe the development of this mysticism. For this, I will trace back to "Charyapada" the ancient vindication of Bengali literature; "Esotericism" which is the hidden way to express the inner feeling of the Bauls‟ meditation and also "Deho totto.," non-duality and their connection with Lalon's mysticism. "Intertextuality" and "Textual influence" are the major theories of my paper, it means when a writer uses a text as a reference in another body of a text, the writer basically being influenced from that writing. My paper's major part is the influence that Tagore got from Lalon's song and philosophy; and both of their ideologies. Tagore not only got influenced by Lalon's song but also his attire and mystic philosophy attracted Tagore. My thesis will also talk about Lalon's humanistic, and secularistic thoughts about superstitious society of 18th and 19thcentury Bengal, and his hatred towards the caste system. So, in the end, my thesis is a compact description of Intertextuality and Textual influence of Lalon and Tagore‟s literature and the similar philosophy they had.