This book traces the Baul Path; a Tantric spiritual tradition; from its earliest roots in the subcontinent of India; to its dissemination in the West in modern times. “Baul†– meaning “madcap†or “taken by the wind†– describes one who has a vision of reality so piercing clear that they are called to live in a way that goes against the common grain: the safe; plodding life of the mainstream. In the East; for centuries; Baul bards yogis wandered the dusty roads of Bengal singing dancing with joy in praise of God. Their poetry-songs uplifted ordinary people; transporting all above the daily grind for survival into a direct experience of the sublime. Sahaja is the hallmark of the Baul Way; referring to the naturally ecstatic essence of being. According to the Bauls; sahaja nature is inborn; underlies one’s human personality habitual social conditioning. It is a blueprint of love; beauty; bliss; wisdom dignity. From the Baul view; to rediscover sahaja is to love God. The spirit of sahaja arises in individuals in all cultures; in all times places; the author asserts. In this book; however; she details the unique vital approaches to life spirituality that the Bauls; both East West; have demonstrated throughout their history; in their philosophy; teaching practice. The Baul sadhana; or spiritual life; rests on four pillars: Radical reliance on the guru; Wandering and begging as a way of life; Teachings encoded in song and dance; Yogas of the body: including hatha; sexuality breath. Each of these tenets is elaborated in depth; as the author highlights the notable differences in their expression “then now;†in East West. The outstanding contribution of this book is its first-hand account of the introduction of Baul spirituality to the modern world through the life work of Khépa Lee Lozowick (1943-2010); an American teacher the spiritual Heart Son of Yogi Ramsuratkumar; the revered Beggar Saint of Tiruvannamalai; south India. In 2008; M. Young accompanied Khepa Lee to Bengal where they met with eminent Baul gurus practitioners; many who had long awaited an exchange with their American “brother.†On this trip; his band of Western Bauls shared their American rock blues in a unique interplay between East West. Foreword is by Parvathy Baul; internationally acclaimed musician and representative of the traditional Baul path. M. Young’s work is a feast of scholarship; rich in memoir practical wisdom.
#775531 in Books Tagus 2007-06-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.70 x .60 x 5.90l; .80 #File Name: 1933227192216 pages
Review
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. In Pursuit of Their Dreams: A History of Azorean Immigration to the United States; 2nd Edition (Portuguese in the Americas)By Sandra SaundersI bought four copies of this book to share with family members; because this book gives true accounts of the struggles our good; hard working people had upon entering a new country. This story tells me; my children and grandchildren how difficult it was for our ancestors to find a way of life that helped our family to prosper in their new home; the United States of America. I am one of the 2nd generation Americans in our family. My parents were both born in Tulare County; California where my two sets of grandparents came to settle in 1911. Their home land was Teceria Island; Azores. This book has helped our family learn of our proud; hard working people. Thank you for helping me teach my family of their good fortune.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. worth readingBy FratzelThe first half of this book is a fascinating and well-written history of immigration from the Azores to the US; with much historical information about the underlying reasons for this and the ways in which it was carried out. The second half is more about analyzing census data regarding Azorean population in various places in the US; and will probably be of less interest to the general reader; though still valuable to sociologists.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. If you are of Portuguese descent and live in California ...By Alan CostaIf you are of Portuguese descent and live in California your roots are almost certainly in the Azores. Williams' treatment of the history our people is well-written and well-researched. It is a must read for those who seek to add background and perspective to their family history.
