Thus Baul gurus are regarded as the guardians of the “secret of both suppression and enhancement of fertility, for knowledge of conception is also knowledge of contraception” (Jeanne Openshaw 2004: 207) they are teachers of sexual education and awareness about the initiates' body. The esoteric knowledge of conception and contraception is revealed in the lyrics of the songs through an obscure, enigmatic language that needs to be decoded by the guru in order to be understood and experienced. The recommended methods are the result of a complex and sophisticated system of beliefs about the alchemy of the subtle body, ontogenetic development, metaphysical anatomy and secret gynecology. A consistent part of Bauls' lyrics deals with body-centered practices that aim at controlling sexual desire, purifying the body and attaining longevity. " The proposed paper treats a particular aspect of the literary production and the oral lore transmitted among the Bauls and Fakirs of Bengal: the methods and views on conception, contraception and control of fertility transmitted by the practitioners through oral teachings and songs.
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