Tribute to Baba Bulleh Shah

“Tear down the mosque and temple too, break all that divides
But do not break the human heart as it is there that God resides.”

                                                               -Bulleh Shah!

Source: Google Images

Sometimes, you hear a few lines and they echo in your mind automatically. You start using them in public and in person too! While watching a Pakistani movie “Khuda Kay Liye”, I came across this song “Bandeya ho, Bandeya”. I just loved the lyrics instantly and was extremely curious to know about its genesis.

After browsing a bit, I came to know it was the composition of the Sufi poet\philosopher Bulleh Shah. The name was pretty much familiar, as I heard that in a few songs; “Bulla Ki Jaana Main Kaun!” etc. Slowly but Steadily I went through his works and life. Born in Bahawalpur, Punjab, now in Pakistan, Shah belonged to a Syed family. Bulleh Shah was beacon of hope and peace for the people of Punjab. He helped in maintaining friendly relations among Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus. He is believed to be extremely close to the Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur!

May be its his “Sufi” attitude that is the reason of his benevolence and love for all nature! If you explore literature about Sufism, you come to know that “Tolerance” is an essential feature. And the origin or genesis of Sufism came from the fact that people from different cultures\mixed beliefs started living together. Sufis also rejected rituals, for them spiritual introspection was more important than external appearances. Sufis also separated Mosque and State. Shah Hussain stated: "Kings are busy in their kingdoms, the moneylenders are collecting their debts and the tiller is concerned about his village. We only seek the pleasure of our Sain (Lord, Beloved)." They also believed in one God and one must devote himself completely towards God.

Baba Bulleh Shah didn’t believe in caste, he didn’t differentiate people at all. He believed that we must leave the soul free! It’s all about Him- “He is the Kite, and the string too!”

The modern world can learn a lot from Bulleh Shah. Humanity is what he taught us, harmony is what he preached. And we are really lucky that we live in a heterogeneous society, where we get a chance to meet people with different beliefs and traditions. Although, all beliefs lead to the same path! 

~ Rohan Kalia