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Dear Guruji,
Over the months which have passed since I stayed with you for winter semester with you and your
wonderful family, I have realised that I can not really describe in words what I experienced in
Kolkata, nor What I learned from you at the school. But in my mind it is very clear, in my heart I can feel that it represents something real and profound.
Certainly, it has opened some doors for me towards an understanding not only for Indian Music, but
for the phenomenon of music and it's natural position in life and existence.
Thank you for everything you have given to me. I am working to come back some time.
All my best wishes and regards to you as my Guruji and to your lovely family.
From Anders Lønne Grønseth
Jazz Saxophone player
Oslo, Norway
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Hello Guruji!!!
I hope you are doing well and that you had a successful trip to Mumbai. I was sad that I didn't get the chance to see you again right before I left but am grateful I got to spend the time I did with you.
Guruji, I wanted to say thank you once again for everything you have been for me (as well as continue to be for Dave and Ariel). Like all life-changing experiences, one often doesn't see all the benefits of rich seeds planted until time and experiences have had a chance to do some watering. Well, I can tell you that your family's contribution to me artistically is far deeper than even I can imagine at the moment. For instance, every day I continue to apply what I have learned in both your guitar lessons as well as Sutapa's voice lessons to my own music. I have been absolutely blown away by how much stronger my own music is becoming. Each day the little things that now make sense continually humble me. My music as it was before was like a skeleton without flesh and blood. Now it seems to be growing flesh, and with each new day of practice and application it circulates blood and is developing a discernable heartbeat. It has sobered me to see how a good musical foundation has affected me.
On the plane ride from Calcutta to Bangkok I practiced the whole way. I was singing all the palta's as well as practicing the tan's and crazy rhythm patterns you gave me. I had tears of gratitude flowing down my cheeks as I tried to take in the immeasurable education (both of music and the art of living) I had received in these short 5 weeks. Oh, and I have even been developing my own finger picking patterns to my own songs with varied rhythms. It's amazing that whereas my songs used to be "vague" and obscure melodies with chords I didn't even know the names of, I can now determine exactly which scale, rhythm, and notes I am singing. I have even begun the task of rewriting all my songs down according to the Indian raga system, with notations and all.
Guru ji, someday when I release my debut CD, I want it to be a testimony to what can happen to a musician in a short time, by the right kind of teachers. You and Sutapa provided years of education in a few short weeks.
I hope you can express to your family once again that I think of all of you constantly, and that I carry you each in my heart wherever my travels may take me.
Peace, love, and the constant nurturing of our collective "Mahima,"
From Mary Lee.
"The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth..."
-- Albert Einstein |
