The Gurudwara experience – what happened?

It was through a good friend’s post yesterday on facebook, that I was compelled to write my thoughts today on one of the most sacred institutions of Sikhism, that being the Gurudwara (Sikh place of worship).   Growing up, my parents inspired me to include the Gurudwara as part of my life.  It was the standard to attend any Gurudwara on a Sunday.  This allowed us not only to pay our respects to the Guru, but to be with sangat  (congregation) over a platform of divine ambrosial sound currents of kirtan, inspirational “vichaar’s” (sermon), a motiviating and energizing “ardas” (prayer), a captiviating and humbling “hukamnama” (hymn read from the Holy scriptures after an ardas),  followed by the Guru’s blessing’s of “parshad” (an edible sweet made of flour, butter and sugar).  Next was pangat, where we would sit together on the floor to receive “Guru-ka-langar”- an opportunity to be reminded of how fortunate we were to be taking in food, how humbling it was to serve unconditionally and that we were essentially all the same light of God.  Each week, we went through this process.  At first, it may have seemed like a process; one which I did not disagree with too much (unless I was going to miss an NBA final) or argue my case for not wanting to attend.  I soon realized, this process was no longer a process, but became a journey in itself.  Gurudwara was something I looked forward to at the end of the week.  It was my time to “settle” myself, and “de-stress”.  It was my special day of every week where I would find myself becoming “new” and “refreshed” again—as if I became reawakened each time, only to discover more things about myself and my Guru, and the sangat.  The experience became an experience of family, closeness, brotherhood/sisterhood.  I could count on having this experience each time.  There were  no agenda’s, there were no ego’s.  Nothing had evolved in a negative way.  The Gurudwara was consistenly producing positive vibes, positive activities, positive results.  I attribute this to the “no-agenda” rule that seemed to come naturally for the sangat.  It was an “all for one”, “one for all” attitude.  Just imagine how I felt as a little sardar with my tight knit “patka” to see and take this all in.  It was just so overwhelming in a very good way of course.  This Gurudwara experience made me feel so special, so loved, so comforted, so important, so strong.  To add to this beauty, I knew that all my friends, uncle’s and aunt’s felt the same way. (By the way, we call every person of our parent’s generation “uncle” and “aunt”).    Each of us would leave with our “cup” so full , that the upcoming week seemed to flow with such ease, confidence and poise.  I stood with such great pride amongst my friends at school feeling like any challenge was surmountable; any situation was conquerable.  The Gurudwara experience was the source of my love for life. 

 

As the year’s have passed by, I still attend Gurudwara’s.  I still take in the sounds of kirtan.  I still listen to the katha vachak’s (priests that give inspirational speeches/sermons).  I still stand with pride and dignity as the ardas is offered to the Guru.  I still listen to the hukamnama which consistently reminds me to be humble.  I still look forward to sitting in pangat to experience the connectedness with each other.  Yet, I do not feel as “still” as I did before.  I reflect on this deeply.  What has led to this?  Sure…it could be me.  Perhap’s I need to work on myself more….look more deeply and re-visit what seemed to work when I was younger…then I ask, what really was working when I was younger that allowed me to have that Gurudwara experience every week, every day?  Then I look at what has remained consistent.  Consistent has been the Guru’s word, the Guru’s kirtan,  the gathering and congregation of the sangat and pangat, the ardas, the distribution of Guru’s kara parshad.  I then look into the mirror and say to myself, I can still sleep with a good conscience… sure….I can continue to improve myself, but I feel I carry my life with the same values that were instilled in me as a little “patka” tying sardar.  So for sake of argument, let’s say that I have also been “consistent” in my journey for the context of the Gurudwara experience. 

 

So many things remain consistent, yet no “stillness”.  I look around, I hear stories of conflict, hatred, jealousy, anger, violence…violence….more violence.  No….I am not talking about what may be happening globally around the world.  I am speaking of what is happening in our Gurudwara’s.  What was intended to be the dream experience for all of us, especially that “patka” tying little sardar, has become an experience that we might quite frankly be afraid to be part of…or that we might have resentment and frustrations towards.  Why are things like conflict and violence existing in the Gurudwara experience?  Read carefully, “THE GURUDWARA EXPERIENCE”  not “THE VIOLENCE EXPERIENCE”.   The two should not co-exist.  These conflict’s have taken the “experience” out of the Gurudwara; the anger has dissolved the love and comfort that we would have felt…. jealousy has transformed nurturing energies of equality, brotherhood/sisterhood into those of competitiveness and destructive types of attitudes.  These by the way, are all “man-made”.  Love, nurturance, oneness, are all gifts of the Guru;  they are always there for those who seek to receive them. 

I look at the mirror once more and reflect again….I will not stop attending Gurudwara even though I realize I can have the Gurudwara experience even in my home or at a retreat.  I must continue to set an example for my children that amidst the turmoil that exists today within our Gurudwara’s, there is still that consistent ray of light….the Guru….I must always remind myself that if I continue to do my little part in inspiring other’s about the true Gurudwara experience, I will remain hopeful…other’s will remain hopeful..

 

This story is not done…I realize there is so much more to write….this indeed, is not the complete answer.  I am firm about one thing.  When there is conflict, hatred, jealousy, violence, there is ego.  You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out….then again, perhap’s there may be some truth to that for those who seemed to have lost the whole meaning of the Gurudwara experience.

The essence of sewa – reminded to me by a “napkin”

Today, I find myself reminiscing and reflecting on one of the pillar’s that help’s to build an ideal individual, sewa (selfless service).  It was not that long ago, in fact, just a few week’s ago to be exact, as I sat in my local Gurudwara being “colored” and “grounded” through the celestial sounds of divine kirtan being sung by Gyani Darshan Singh ji Sohal from the UK.  The sangat felt not one bit separated from each other.   Although we sat as many physical bodies, the spirit truly seemed to emanate as one universal force.  Moments like these seem so rare and have you yearning for more.   As the program came to a conclusion, ardaas was offered in all it’s glory and humbleness.  As the sangat chanted “Waheguru” through the various stages of the ardaas, you could not help but feel fully absorbed and healed through the resonating vibrations of these pure sounds.   After recitation of the hukam nama, I could see the rush and excitement of the children running toward’s the karah parshad where the napkin’s are kept.  Literally, 30 of them stood in line as they impatiently waited for one of the Singh’s to give them a few napkin’s.  Amusing that 30 of them were ready when 3-5 would have been enough to comfortably distribute the napkins.  Let me take you back a few step’s, and this time in “slow motion”.  If you have ever watched children sitting during the hukam nama, you may find them gesturing to each other, giving each other signal’s in almost a hidden code language that we may never undertstand.  You can sense their restlessness, eagerness, willingness as they wait for the end of the hukam nama.   As their parents and elders, we tend to easily forgive these innocent “munchkins” as we know their heart’s are in the right place.  Their eyes begin to light up as the final fateh is said.  They know it’s time for karah parshad to be distributed.  No one need’s to tell them this, no one need’s to request their help.   It’s totally voluntary.  The excitement and enthusiasm is simply overbearing.  When was the last time you saw a child quietly take all the time in the world to go and get the napkins?  It’s usually a mad fury with one trying to “outbeat” the other.  They all want to be part of that sewa.  As each of these cute little Singh’s and Singhnee’s come by to give you your napkin, look at their face, look at their eyes.  You will see what I see.  A brilliance, a smile, a gentleness, an eagerness, a sparkle, an innocence, a glow, a willingness, a comfort… no string’s attached.  I am once again reminded and inspired through a “napkin” of what the true essence of sewa really is.

Kiran Morarji: A tabla ”nawaz” who emanates a spiritual vibe through his playing

Kiran morarji was born in London England to his proud parents, Jayanti and Kusum Morarji.  At the very young age of 2, they noticed potential in their son and bought him his first set of tabla’s.   At the age of four, Kiran and his family moved to the T-dot where he started his official training of tabla under Sri Sanjay Divekar, founder of Crystal Percussion Academy of Indian Classical Music from which he graduated with a Visharad Degree in Tabla.  From then on, there was no turning back.  Currently, Kiran is the disciple of Ustad Zakir Hussain ji from whom he receives extensive and personal training in the Punjab Gharana (school) of tabla playing.  He is also adept at playing all other Gharana’s of tabla such as Delhi, Lucknow, Farukabad, Ajrada, and Benares.  At the age of 12, Kiran performed at the Living’s Arts Centre in the prestigious Hammerson Hall in Toronto to a sold out crowd.  In 2008, he was performing to an audience which included Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former President of India, Abdul Kalam.  He has had the immense honor of performing alongside his Guru, Ustad Zakir Hussain in California.  With having already toured throughout the U.S. and Canada, it is exciting to know that this artist will just continue flourishing.

I had heard about Kiran through the many mutual musical circles and came to know of this rising star not only as a solo tabla artist, but one who was also totally “at home” when accompanying other musicians.  You have to understand, there is always an excitement in meeting other musician’s.  We can relate to each other on many level’s in terms of feeling and experiencing music, in the creativity and tradition of the same, and in conveying its essence to a listening audience.  What I find admirable in Kiran is his respect for the traditions and spiritual elements of music.  This became apparent when I visited Kiran at his home for a reyaaz (rehearsal) session in preparation for an upcoming event.  I was greeted at the door by his parent’s.  With their warm and welcoming nature, “Uncle” and “Aunty” asked me to come in.  In  typical “desi” fashion, (which I have to say is one of the things I love about being “desi”) I was instantly offered chai (tea), juice, water, cookies, cake, pastries (ok I’m exaggerating a little, it was actually a fantastic dhokla with green chutney and an amazing cup of elaichi (cardomom) tea.  Us vocalists love their warm chai)  What is the point of telling you all this?   What I could see in Kiran, I could also see in his parent’s.  It was no surprise that Kiran is the way he is when it comes to his art.  Without a doubt, how an artist convey’s his message through music is a reflection of the foundation that he or she grew up with.  I could see that his parent’s instilled values of compassion, a nurturing sense, and a spiritual connectedness in their son, who not only lives by those virtues, but is able to bring those to his finger’s on the “bayan” and “dayan”.  As we sat down, I admired his respect for his tabla’s.  Before taking the cover off, he folded his hand’s as a sign of respect and devotion to the very instrument that allows him to speak the word’s of his heart.  You will often see this with many artists who delve deeply with their music.  It is not unusual at all to see Zakir ji paying reverence to his tabla’s with folded hands, or to the stage on which he will create his brilliance or to his elder musician’s by touching their feet.  It is all in respect for the greatness, the sacredness of music.   After tuning his tabla to my “Sa”, we began our session and journey with different compositions in Darbari, Kalyaan, Khammaj, which consisted of different tempo’s and interesting improvisations.  It seemed so natural to be playing with Kiran. It is alway’s a joy to be able to connect with another artist musically without even saying a word.  Kiran seemed to know what my “next move” would be and vice versa.  Throughout the many different alaap’s, unique sequences and embellishment’s of the composition, the fulfillment came when we both reached each other at the “sum”  (the division in a taal or rhythm and the stress on the first beat is called “sum”) each and every time.   I found Kiran’s playing to be quite “sympathetic” yet electrifying, clear and crisp in tonality.

Kiran is a tabla player who has the ability to keep a steady “leh” (tempo) allowing the other artist to shine, yet is able to bring forth his extensive repertoire within a composition to add beauty and sophistication.  Then again, I am not surprised as he is committed and dedicated to his reyaaz.  Not only can Kiran be found accompanying artist’s within the Indian classical music scene (vocal and instrumental), he is also comfortable and show’s poise within the ghazal, sufi, folk, world music and fusion realms.

You may also be interested to know that Kiran also has a very strong educational background.  A student of finance at York University, he is ambitous to pursue his master’s degree.  Envisioning the future, his plans include completing his PhD in Indian Classical Music.

Ask him what inspires him and he’ll say his parent’s, family, and Guru.  Ask him what his passion is and he will say “to present the purest form of tabla through expression of the self”.  Here is a tabla player who is doing it for all the right reasons.  For him, the “dayan” and “bayan” have become the very instrument of his spiritual expression.

To contact Kiran, you can email him at kiranmorarji@hotmail.com

Noman Siddiqui – A musician who has realized “The Sea within”

It was probably several year’s ago when  I had the pleasure of meeting a Toronto based media consultant, event manager and a music artist.  After a few meeting’s, it became quite apparent to me that he was a gifted, talented, passionate and enthusiastic musician and individual.  Moreover, you could certainly feel that he was a man who was ultimately all about inspiring people through music.   The music that I am talking about is one which “stir’s the soul”, one which hit’s us at the deepest core, the one that makes us reflect about our true essence.  Music is all wonderful.   With so much variety and diversity in music out there, there is something for everyone.  Anyone and everyone can certainly connect with some form of music and allow it to bring them a sense of comfort, joy and motivation.  Noman’s interest and passion for music is all about creating a connectedness in the individual and with each other.  Even when not playing on his keys, he is still talking music and creating music.  When one feel’s the passion for this art so deeply, it is just how it is– it becomes a part of you, something which does not require any effort.  That is what I have observed in Noman.  Whether it’s in rehearsal’s, in a performance, whether he is composing, he always seems to be in a state of ease and groundedness.   Hence, it was no coincidence that we “hit it off” and have  become such great colleagues of music and I would like to think, “soul brother’s”.

Noman has performed and collaborated with artists at venues such as C.N.E., Roger’s centre, Harborfront centre, the Lula lounge, ROM, Dundas Square and is also an active member of the Toronto based group called SAMA (which your’s truly also has the honor of being a part of).  I found the following quote quite inspirational when Noman says, “Music can be one of the most creative medium for expressing emotion and channeling our inspirations, visions, character, dreams and temper (anger or calmness) in an audible and visual/imaginative format”.

In closing, it gives me great pleasure to let you know of Noman’s most recent musical masterpiece, “The Sea within” to be released this year.    Let it grace your homes and become inspired, humbled and connected — all qualities that I have come to know and see in Mr. Noman Siddiqui.  For more information check out www.nomansmusic.com

 

SAMA – A diverse group of musicians with a common spirit and vision

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Raheel Raza (www.raheelraza.com) at a musical event.  She had invited me to participate in the event by contributing a musical piece, which ended up being the shabad, “Hey Gobind, Hey Gopal…” in Rag Bhopali.  My interactions that day with Raheel ji, albeit brief, were very profound and inspirational.  You definetely felt a sense that this was a woman who was a total visionary, someone who actually made things happen rather than just talking about them, and an individual who simply gave herself for any cause that would aid to propagate the essence of the human spirit.

Since that time, I have had the honor to be involved in several musical ventures, all orchestrated (no pun intended) by Raheel ji.  My purpose in this blog entry is to introduce you all to one of her other brilliant brainchild’s, and that being SAMA (www.samamusic.ca).  SAMA or “Sacred Arts and Music Alliance”, is a group of like minded musicians and individual’s who are quite reflective of the multi-faith mosaic of our Canada today.  Whether we are in rehearsal, or on a stage performing, SAMA reminds me that indeed there are no boundaries when we all are united with a common vision.  Music just happens to be the outlet when it comes to SAMA.

As a musician myself,  you always look forward to performing on a stage, connecting with audiences for whom we attempt to provide an outlet  where they can just “let it all go” and live some moments of peace, inspiration and empowerment.  For me, SAMA provides this “food for the soul” and much more.  At a recent rehearsal, we had not seen each other for a while, yet it seemed we left off just where we started.  The connection was there, so immediate, so comforting.   As musician’s, we just blended with each other in a seemingly effortless way.  Then again, this is not surprising since most of the deepest connections we have with people are those that do not require alot of effort per se, it is something that just is.  It’s effortless.  I do cherish those moments in life.  With SAMA, you really do feel “at home”.  Check out SAMA (www.samamusic.ca) where music is indeed beyond borders.

 

 

 

 

Santoor: Brilliant sound, deep impact

Today, I find myself reflecting on the serene, deep, brilliant sounds of the santoor.  I became fond of listening to this stringed instrument in my late teen year’s.  If this instrument is one that is foreign to you, I would suggest making it a point to listen to the impact it will have and how it will “capture” you.  I find myself in a “zone” whenever I hear it playing.  It seems to hit me where the impact is the deepest, much like when I am doing kirtan.  The santoor is an Indian stringed musical instrument which is shaped like a trapezoid.  It is often made of walnut and has about hundred strings.  Special shaped mallets or mezrab’s are used to create the rich sounds and are held in between the index and middle fingers.

It was the legend himself, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, that totally caught my attention at the age of 16 when I heard one of his recital’s for the first time.  Listening to his spirit and genius emananting from this instrument, brought me to mental and emotional zones of comfort, calm and introspection.  You cannot but help be taken to another realm.  As the raga unfold’s through each precise yet innovative stroke of one note to the another, you travel on a journey which heighten’s to a place with no boundaries.  After all, the journey of music is indeed spiritual in it’s essence and limitless in the same.

Those who are familiar with Shiv Kumar ji’s work can attest to what he has done in terms of his contribution to music.   Word’s cannot bring justice to his impact on the spiritual essence of music.   However, this road to success was far from smooth.  In the year 1955, he appeared for a national level concert in Mumbai which was certainly a significant turning point in his life.  The concert got him tremendous applause as well as severe criticism from the orthodox musicians and listener’s.  Basically, their argument was that the santoor was not a complete instrument on which indian classical music could be played.  In typical Shiv Kumar fashion, he took this as a challenge and modified the instrument with a new chromatic arrangement of notes and increased the range to cover the full 3 octaves.  Another brilliant addition was his new technique of playing in which he could sustain notes and maintain sound continuity.   Amazingly, he pioneered the santoor and has brought it to the forefront of not only indian classical music, but as a major contributor to movie scores and cross cultural collaborations.

Give this “brilliant sound with a deep impact” a chance.  I am positive you will feel positive.  (For more information check out www.santoor.com)

 

 

 

“Practice makes perfect” – Riyaaz

At the age of 5, I can remember sitting on the harmonium attempting to sing 3 word’s of a composition on 2 keys.   Music was certainly a stabilizing force for me growing up and still proves to be to this day.  It provided a sense of confidence, pride, discipline, focus and source of motivational energy.  If channeled properly, this art can indeed heighten one’s perspective and interactions with the world and its inhabitants.  In channeling “properly” one must “tap” into the very core of who they are as a human being.  This would require understanding and being fully aware of our realm of humility and humbleness.  A humble mind and heart indeed emanates a pure sound.

Throughout my musical journey, riyaaz was a critical and important aspect towards its growth, nurturing and development.  Loosely translated, riyaaz is to create discipline with vocal/instrumental music through its daily practice and repetition.  Think of it as the act of rehearsing over and over for the purpose of mastering it, as in the phrase “practice makes perfect”.  Sure, I could agree with this when it comes to competitive sporting events where teams diligently practice their strategies, physical endurance exercises etc. so as to prepare themselves for the “big game”.  The odd’s are that a team that work’s as a unit and has given 100% day in and day out at practices, put themselves in a position likely to become victorious.  I believe music is entirely different.  Indeed, through daily riyaaz, one’s voice matures, becomes more refined, sophisticated, smooth, gentle, on “sur” (perfect pitch and tonality).  However, instead of saying “practice makes perfect”, in the context of the musical journey, “riyaaz makes one surrender”.  In essence, you learn about your imperfections, you are brought to your realm of humbleness.  It is through this humility that one is able to carry the momentum of riyaaz throughout their lifetime.   I am reminded of this humility by one of my early teacher’s.  His name was Giani Bishambar Das.  A legendary musician and composer who was known all over the world through his unique compositions.   Yet, no one seemed to know about this gentle man as for him, music was the ultimate expression and “prayer”.  He felt that “riyaaz” was his “true” audience and riyaaz was the instrument.  He did not seek the limelight although it seeked him whereever he travelled.  He was very humbling to my growth as a musician.  I have fond memories of having to practice a composition literally 100 times before he would let me perform it in front of a sangat or audience.  His common response was always, “Onkar, it could be better, you could have sang it with a little more feeling, expression, emotion”.  I am indebted to his brilliant way of teaching me the art of riyaaz.

For me, riyaaz is boundless.  I try to do it on a day to day basis, whether sitting at home with my tanpura on, or driving long distances where I will attempt to bust out the sargams and taan’s as onlooker’s wonder what I was smoking that morning.  Whatever the case may be, you can make that choice.  Riyaaz can become a part of your life, in any aspect of your life, in whatever art form.  Yes, there are only 24 hours in a day, yes you need 7-8 hours of sleep, yes you have to work, yes you might have a family, kid’s etc.  The key is discipline and dedication.  Allow these 2 word’s to become the center of your focus.  Riyaaz is fueled by these 2 virtues.  Once ignited, you will find that indeed, 24 hours is enough time in a day to do many things.