Tanpura

The Tanpura’s Sound- pure and resonating.
It begins and ends the breath. It fills all that which seems unfulfilled. Any music created is a further enhancement of this core sound emanating from the tanpura.
Putting eye drops for Baba (that is how we call guruji just like all the other students), massaging his head until he falls asleep. Nothing seems odd, out of place or a burden. Here we have to keep patiently trying and just wait for the music to sink in. That is what ‘Time’ is for. All these days, Time seemed to enslave me. I could never over power it, I could not come to terms with it. Here there is no ‘Time’ but the movement of music and the rhythm of the beats. It is “here”. I feel very much part of the “now”. I do not feel a hurry. I do not feel like I am late. The truth of what exists is strong and it just moves.’

Perfection

... As I walked a dismal place…ahem..thank you Wordsworth. I heard a music which immediately connected my soul to eternity. I went in search of this source of music. An old man, as old as time itself sat there casually caressing and yet having a serious dialogue with music. It moved me so much that I ran to him to fall at his feet only to realize there were only two stump like legs. A bit jolted I bowed down hoping his hands would bless me. Two arms, palms and stubbed incomplete hands rested on my head. All extremities eaten up. I looked up seeking his vision to fall upon me, and to my utter dismay they were almost visionless. Stunned, speechless, I looked at this serene being, thoughts halted as it is in bewilderment. He could feel and hear my presence. His sound, pure and wholesome drawing away from all his other senses. I could not comprehend whether there could be a boon hidden in his seemingly cursed state. He looked more complete than I. All measures of comparison rendered obsolete.

My Guru, Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan

A shot in the dark

This heart of mine never rested. I always felt I am not where I am supposed to be. But to add to the trouble, I did not know where I am supposed to be. Then by some quirk I saw this email in my inbox from SPICMACAY which listed some legendary artists in various fields. You get to spend a month with one of them of your choice. I knew this would be the experience of a life time. I wanted to learn Hindustani Music for a long time and also only from a good teacher. This mail spelt it out for me. I wasted no time and energy in making sure I got this chance. And what do you know, I am smitten. I now am actually in a place where I exactly want to be and would always want to be.