The secret for growth

It is always my wish and prayer that my students and all those that I know grow with each passing year.  As we begin 2010, I would like to share a small story about speaks of the secret for growth, whether it be in your spiritual life, professional life or personal life.

Tansen had been appointed as a musician in Akbar’s court.  In his times, to become a court musician was a major accomplishment.  You were given immense facilities – a palace to live in, an elephant to move around in, etc.  It was a musician’s dream.

Upon receiving this news, he made the long journey to visit his Guru Swami Haridas deep in the forest.  After sharing the news, he bowed at feet of his teacher and sought his blessings.

“I am very happy that you have accomplished so much.  Always stay like this,” his Guru said, “if you want to continue to grow.”

Tansen rose and asked him to explain.

“Observe the posture of one seeking to climb a mountain.  He is always leaning forward, keeping his head bowed.  Observe the posture of one going down a mountain.  He stands tall with his chest out.  If you want to reach great heights, you much keep your head bowed and keep your ego in check.  When you stand tall, you will no longer be able to go higher.”

Tansen got the message.

A Mango Tree

There was a full-grown tree, a mango tree. It was standing alone, being nice to everyone. One day, a young child from a nearby colony came to play under the tree. The tree fell in love with the child at first child. The tree was happy watching the child play in its full innocence. After some time, the child returned home. Once he was gone, the tree happily recounted the memory of the child and waited for him to return.

The next day, when the child returned to play, the tree brought bowed down his branches to reach the child so that he could eat mangos. Love blossoms between a big person (be it age, fame, wealth, size) when a small person when the big person does not see a difference between themselves. (Moral: love teaches you to bow down and surrender, regardless of one’s size and stature) The child too fell in love with the tree. Slowly, he began to climb the tree, hug the tree, and sleep in the branches of the tree. This way, the tree and child happily spent time together.

But naturally, the child began to grow. It started going to school and had less time to spend with the tree. The tree was still happy, the child was growing and learning. The tree only wanted the child’s presence, no other expectations. He found contentment in the smaller periods of time they spent together.

The child continued to grow, his studies increased. He began to spend even less time with the tree, but he still would come to see the tree. Again, the tree was happy. The child was growing. During mango season, he would keep the best mangoes to give to the child. (Moral: real love is always is happy in other’s growth)

The child continued to grow and began a young man. He fell in love and stopped coming to see the tree. The tree would wait patiently, thinking of the day when he would come and sit on its branches, but the boy did not come for a few months. Once, the tree saw the boy passing on a nearby road.

He called out to him. “I am always waiting for you. Why don’t you come to see me?” he said to the boy.

His answer shocked the tree, “Why should I come to see you? What will you give me?”

The tree replied, “I’m ready to give you everything.”

“Can you give me a million dollars?,” the boy retorted.

“Money is a human invention, I cannot give you that. I can give you everything I have: my fruit, my flowers, cool shade, peace, my branches to sit on, a place to be at one with nature – everything I have. The day that trees have money, that day, we too will have to sit in the temples or search the world to find peace.”

Tabla Taalim by Sejal Kukadia

I am very pleased to inform you about the wonderful book that my dear American student, Sejal Kukadia has written. This is the second edition of her book.  I am very proud of her and wish her all the best. The book is beautifully done and I know it will be a great resource for all. If you wish to purchase it, please contact Taalim School.  Information about this guide to tabla is below.

Tabla Taalim takes a comprehensive look at the rich percussive art of Tabla. From the ancestral lineage of the gharanas to analysis of the rules of tabla compositions, this book covers all facets of Tabla. Tabla Taalim serves as a theoretical and practical guide to tabla, describing the fundamentals behind taal, the role of a tabla player and highlighting the distinctions with tabla playing for solos and different styles of accompaniment, complete with compositions. Written in easy-to-follow language, this text serves many purposes and may also be used as a study guide for the Sangeet Visharat (equivalent of Bachelors of Music) exam.

Tabla Taalim Offers:
- 70+ color graphics, including rare photographs and gharana lineage charts
- Biographies of great tabla maestros
- Tabla solos in 15 different taals (Teentaal, Rudra Taal, Dhamaar taal, Brahma taal and more)

“Treatment of all topics are to the point and authentic“
- (late) Pandit Sudhirkumar Saxena, Ajrada Gharana
“Very impressed with the work she has done“
- Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, Lucknow Gharana
“Great source of information for all students of Indian Music“
- (late) Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, Delhi Gharana

Young Students

Manavi

Shivam Patel

Adeet

These are pictures of some of the young students that take keyboard, vocal and tabla classes at Rhythm Riders.  I don’t really teach the young tabla students.   Generally they learn from my son, Rushi or my other senior disciples who run the class.  I always am aware of how they are doing and check their playing every so often.  

Despite very limited interaction with them, these young faces have so much love for me.  They always have a smile on their face and come take my blessings when they see me in class.  They’ll bring chocolates, come over to give a hug or just sit and watch while I teach others.   These moments always make me smile.