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Sacred Poetry from Around the World

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Muslim / Sufi

18th Century

Pakistan
(Indian Subcontinent)

Bulleh Shah

Timeline (1680 - 1758)

Poems by Bulleh Shah
Books - Links

Bulleh Shah, Bulleh Shah poetry, Muslim / Sufi, Muslim / Sufi poetry, poetry, poetry, poetry

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Mir Bulleh Shah Qadiri Shatari, often referred to simply as Bulleh Shah (a shortened form of Abdullah Shah) lived in what is today Pakistan. His family was very religious and had a long tradition of association with Sufis. Bulleh Shah's father was especially known for his learning and devotion to God, raising both Bulleh Shah and his sister in a life of prayer and meditation.

Bulleh Shah himself became a respected scholar, but he longed for true inner realization. Against the objections of his peers, he became a disciple of Inayat Shah, a famous master of the Qadiri Sufi lineage, who ultimately guided his student to deep mystical awakening.

The nature of Bulleh Shah's realization led to such a profound egolessness and non-concern for social convention that it has been the source of many popular comical stories -- calling to mind stories of St. Francis or Ramakrishna. For example, one day Bulleh Shah saw a young woman eagerly waiting for her husband to return home. Seeing how, in her anticipation, she braided her hair, Bulleh Shah deeply identified with the devoted way she prepared herself for her beloved. So Bulleh Shah dressed himself as a woman and braided his own hair, before rushing to see his teacher, Inayat Shah.

Bulleh Shah is considered to be one of the greatest mystic poets of the Punjab region.

His tomb in the Qasur region of Pakistan is greatly revered today.

Poems by Bulleh Shah

	Bulleh! to me, I am not known
	I have been pierced by the arrow of love, what shall I do ?
	I have got lost in the city of love
	If the divine is found through ablutions
	Remove duality and do away with all disputes;
	Repeating the name of the Beloved
	The soil is in ferment, O friend
	There is only one thread of all cotton
	this love -- O Bulleh -- tormenting, unique
	What a carefree game He plays!
	You alone exist; I do not, O Beloved!
	Your love has made me dance all over

Recommended Books

	Baba Bulleh Shah: Music CD, by Abida Parveen Amazon.com
	Bulleh Shah: A Selection Rendered Into English Verse, by Bulleh Shah Amazon.com
	Bulleh Shah: The Love-Intoxicated Iconoclast (Mystics of the East series), by J. R. Puri / Tilaka Raja Puri Amazon.com
	Saint Bulleh Shah, by K.S. Duggal Amazon.com

Related Links:

	Sufi Poets - Bulleh Shah http://www.the-south-asian.com/April2001/Sufis-wisdom%20against%20violence5.htm Brief biography and exploration of Bulleh Shah's poetry.
	Bulleh Shah: His Life and Poetry http://www.apnaorg.com/poetry/bullahn/ An extended article on Bulleh Shah's life and spiritual path, with several selections of his poetry.
	Bulleh Shah: Leading Light of Punjab http://www.travel-culture.com/articles/bullehshah.shtml A brief article on Bulleh Shah and a few verses.
	Bulleh Shah: Ideas & Identities of India Pakistan http://www.chowk.com/show_article.cgi?aid=00004026&channel=leafyglade%20inn A good article on the life and influence of Bulleh Shah.
	Bulleh Shah http://www.apnaorg.com/poetry/english/bullah/index.html Several poems translated by Suman Kashyap.
	Bulleh Shah - Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulleh_Shah Brief biography of Bulleh Shah, along with a quick exploration of his poetic style and influence into the modern era.
	Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah Life http://www.geocities.com/shahidfm2/bulleh_shah_poetry.htm An exploration of Bulleh Shah's life and poetry. Many poem excerpts.

Please support the Poetry Chaikhana, as well as the authors and publishers of sacred poetry, by purchasing some of the recommended books through the links on this site. Thank you!

Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Bulleh Shah

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Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

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