WEST MEETS EAST It is almost impossible to grasp through words or even brief observations, as an outsider, the level of dedication, values, and focus necessary to master ones instrument for Indian classical music. Submission to focus relentlessly on every aspect needed to cover the complete range of techniques and emotions essential to convey oneself in this music involves sacrifices throughout ones complete sense of Living, placing this religiously musical devotion above all else. There is really no other musical equivalent to Indian classical music—another specific genre of music with such a combination of sacred musical principals, esthetic and tradition; teacher/pupil relationship; complete mastery of instruments… First and foremost, the relationship between student and Guru dates back thousands of years throughout the world’s spiritual paths, yet, in musical situations it is much less widespread, particularly in the West. Many are concerned with learning directly from a teacher only for a short while— shortcuts hovering in the back of the student’s mind, geared towards ‘success’ of some kind or another—in comparison to what takes place in this music as a gradual, never-ending spiritual development patiently sculpted by the Guru in situations where this is the pupil’s only concern and only reality. This is conveyed by the Masters when they present their music to us. In fact, it’s presented almost as if it’s not theirs, but their teachers’ and gurus’ before them—a lineage of musical/spiritual history which they’ve been fortunate enough to earn through a deeply laborious life of devotion and circumstances. What they will claim responsibility for are the ‘mistakes’ they presume we’ll hear. To summarize these points here do them little justice, though, as they did for me, draw one in who may be seeking new heights of musical discipline and achievement beyond anything their accustomed society could bring them. Nevertheless, I have just been provided, momentarily, a small window into seeing and understanding what it would mean to do just this—to want nothing more except to simply commit to everything this would involve—to have then two decisions placed in front of me: 1) to make the choice to want to perform this music completely, and to give this decision my all. Understanding that whatever sacrifices there are, whatever hardships there may be, belong not only to my decision to follow this path but to follow the teacher and his guidance I’ve submitted to in order to achieve this. That this would take years, and would never be easy. That I would feel like a beginner all over again and would have to work relentlessly not only instrumentally but in retrospect spiritually—giving my all to this real goal without any choice but wholehearted success. I’ve been told that there is no way I can fully understand what this would mean, but that this is a very serious decision, and much different from 2) approaching this music from a much more casual standpoint, really remaining in charge as to how I want to use what comes to me. I can still study with someone, yet, the goal is a much different one and the level of focus is more capable of fluctuation based on my own goals. In essence, this is really the only decision I can make at this time. To really move on to something else in my life, so abruptly, would go against the ways I’ve had developing for many years now. I believe in my current ‘sound’ and music so truly that it is this which I feel deserves the attention now, more than anything, and it is this which I must have as my means of instrumental presentation. I am certainly free to adopt whatever it is I please from this music to my own, yet, it’s a completely different decision altogether from the other and basically a natural continuation of the directions I’m heading. It was so very important for me to face this juncture now, and to really feel the value behind things at this time and in this music. It was a startling series of realizations to face this man, Samir Chatterjee, on his floor, in his space, for his music, with these questions… The light was dim, yet a resonant sky appeared through a square window above his head, illuminating my eyes for him to see. Along the wall to my right were roughly 30 framed pictures of the Tabla masters over the past century or so as well as a few others. Incense had been burning and the air was thick with presence as the air shifted slightly from the steady flow of a calm, white fan. Danny’s spirit at his guru’s side was as natural as could be, and was the right compliment to everything which took place between Samir and me. It was as if I was appearing before a spirit with loving judgment who was standing on the steps leading up to the immense doors of his temple with the utmost awareness and heart in that it be known and deeply understood before entered. And then here I come, young and wandering, with questions in my mind yet creative, spiritual decisions and sounds in my heart which receive answers and proper use, with many years ahead of them to live fully. I had just finished playing for him on the trombone a dance song ("Ghoomar") from Rajasthan as well as accompaniment to an old recording of vocalist Amir Khan singing raga "Yaman". And now, to face ones life head-on like this has the most powerful repercussions. One can really feel the impact and sense of Changes in the air—the fluctuation between opposites which create positions to react upon, again and again. Touching this force briefly, for some, could be enough for a lifetime. Touching this force briefly could also be the answer some may be seeking to extend organically and continuously into there future as a guiding light from which they’re revealed to themselves and to others. All I can really do at this time is to continue more dedicated than ever to reach what I know to be the ultimate level for me musically/instrumentally, conscious of the nature behind my beliefs and decisions, striving continuously ahead to become better and better—more complete and capable of achieving the highest level I can for the music of my life. To meet with this man and to speak with him in his element was enough for me to really see what it will take to truly succeed in what I must. July 28, 2005