Lalon devotee Frenchwoman calls for humanity

Lalon Shah's profound insights into humanity transcend time, offering a universal and timeless perspective, says Deborah Zannat, Baul-Fakir disciple, Lalon Shah's lineage.

Deborah Zannat, a young Frenchwoman, also calls for humanity and spiritual peace by unraveling the world's mysteries and fathoming the enigma of life and death.

She made the remarks in an interview while attending a 24-hour Sadhusongo held at Fakir Nahir Shah’s Hemashram in Kushtia on the occasion of Deborah Zannat’s “Guru Anniversary” on December 23.

“Lalon Shah is not only a sadhu. But how he expresses and analyses humanity from the deepest heart, to me, it is universal, forever and timely for any certain period,” said Deborah, who was a yoga teacher and lifelong spiritual seeker.

“Lalon’s philosophy centres on self-awareness, guiding individuals from the tangible to the subtle. In order to follow him, I will find my creator, unravel the mystery of the world and know the mystery of life and death. This is actual work of a human being,” she added.

“Animals are busy with fear, eating and sleeping but human’s task is different. They will be penetrating these mysteries by giving an address to their existence.”

“Sadhu gurus ardently follow Lalon Shah's approach, tirelessly engaging in the pursuit of self-discovery and imparting wisdom,” she said, adding that Sadhusongo is organised to spend some time together in an effort to learn and practice.

Notably, social distinctions vanish within this inclusive community, embracing individuals from diverse backgrounds.

This unique gathering transcends societal norms, welcoming participants ranging from the impoverished to millionaires.

“People from all walks of life come here, enter this gate and become human actually. From the very poor to the millionaires come here and everyone lives together happily and jovially.”

“The distinction we create from our mind goes far away,” Deborah stressed, saying that the linguistic richness of the Bengali language, deeply intertwined with history, adds a unique dimension to the spiritual discourse.

“The geographical location of Bangladesh is in such a place where you cannot find a country from which people did not come to Bangladesh.”

“Therefore, treasure and wealth are found in the Bengali language and it is found more deeply in Shahji's language,” Deborah opined.

Sadhusongo, a harmonious assembly of varied perspectives, converges on a shared purpose and genuine ideologies which is organised by Deborah and her husband Razon Fakir, one of close disciples of Fakir Nahir Shah.

Though the main activities are performed within 24-hour, it has continued for a week to ten days.

This weeklong event provides respite from worldly concerns, fostering an environment devoid of material worries. Participants immerse themselves in communal living, fostering camaraderie and unity.

“This is a week in life when there will be no worldly cares. We will have no material worries and we will only be with people,” Deborah stressed.

The focus of such Sadhusongo is on creating a pristine environment where everyone moves forward collectively.

“There is music but it is not music actually, it is spiritual speech and songs of devotion. So, whoever comes here finds a place, whoever comes can realise such a tranquil haven, and inner peace,” she added.

At the event, hundreds of sadhus, spiritual aspirants, researchers and different professionals were present.

“The importance of Lalon in the international arena that I have observed, we couldn't give it the significance it deserves,” said Saymon Zakaria, folk researcher and Deputy Director of Bangla Academy.

“Establishing an international Lalon Institute is essential for the global manifestation of Lalon's discussions, where researchers from the international community can directly engage with Bauls, learn about Lalon's ancient manuscripts, and facilitate preservation efforts.”

“I believe such initiatives would contribute to the broader dissemination of Lalon's philosophy,” he stressed.

Thanking to Deborah and Razon for providing such devotional services, Researcher and Painter Ayreen Khan said, “Sadhus in the path of Fakir Lalon Shah have dedicated their lives in esoteric practices.”

“They have freed their minds from mundane desires and primordial instincts, by letting go of ego and surrendering to the Supreme power,” said Ayreen, who is a security analyst too.

“Showing love and compassion for any living being lie at the core of their faith. Their job is to praise Allah and serve His creation,” she said.

“In such gatherings, Sadhus talk about the teachings of Lalon, to connect body and mind together to become their better versions.”

Ayreen further said that people can ask questions, participate in open discussions and observe their rituals and practices closely in Sadhusongo.

“Socrates revolutionised thinking by introducing self-reflection. Great thinker of Bengal Lalon Fakir also emphasised thoughts' self-consciousness,” said Johir Uddin, a researcher and lawyer.

“So, attending any Sadhusongo is something like self-discovery. After a break of few years I have joined such an august ceremony once again,” he said.

“Her polite behaviour and smiling face will spread calmness and peace among the people around her. Most of Fakirs seem to be like that.”

“Still, I am doubtful about their approach to society. As an open-minded post-modern Fakir myself, I want to explore their methods of thinking before reaching any conclusion,” he added.

"We all are indispensable part of the nature which I felt more that by going towards nature and specially attended in the Sadhusongo. Here, we discover ourselves actually,” said Sultana Razia, a social entrepreneur.

“Nature simplifies our livelihood, teaches us to think easily. Here, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, everyone participates equally.”

“In our collective efforts, we can eliminate divisions among people through more initiatives, allowing everyone to live together in harmony,” Razia added.

The event attended by Olivier Remualdo, a renowned French photojournalist interested in exploring the relationship between religion, mysticism, and individual paths, especially in subcontinent.

Earlier, Deborah came to Bangladesh in early 2016 compelled by curiosity, just wanted to see a Sadhusongo. She then became devoted to Lalon Shah.

Deborah has married Razon via court registry at the guru’s command.