Guru-Shishya Parampara - 3

There was a time when musicians did not have to worry much about the material side of life, for their artistry was widely proclaimed and the patronage of royalty and wealthy people provided them with all the necessities of life. In turn, they were able to accept into their homes a number of disciples, and all their time could be devoted solely to music. The disciples could spend years living with their Guru, learning and serving him, and absorbing their Guru's tradition and style, which they would later pass on themselves.

What was taught in through the Guru-Shishya Parampara was more than knowlegde about music, more than technique, style or aesthetics of Raga music. What was transmitted was a life, a whole range of values and perceptions.

Times changed, patronage withered, and Gurus had to fend for themselves. Many of them were forced to move to larger cities where they began to support themselves and their families by giving concerts. If the disciples followed Gurus to the cities, they would not only have to find a place to stay and practice, but they would also have to provide their own food and clothing. That is briefly how the wonderful tradition faded almost completely today. However, there are artists with a vision, who have revived it and are trying to keep the Parampara alive in whatever way possible.

Learning with a Guru is a slow and meaningful process and there is no short cut to learning Indian Classical Music. Months of repeated practice brings a very tiny sign of progress. But, in the case of a talented student, one can reduce many years of haphazard study to perhaps give years of planned , organised and concentrated work. But what is five years when the greatest of musicians say that it would take them lives to satisfy themselves. Yet, fixed years of study create a base for students to take off from and give them a set of skills and techniques to explore further.