In a newspaper I recently read an article in "The Speaking Tree". It talks about spirituality and this time tried comparing the learning of classical music to a spiritual journey. It is so true! The great gurus/teachers of classical dance and singing, keep on making the disciples practice the same 'sur' or 'step' for days and days and in some cases even months. Are the learners so stupid that they pursue music/dance and cannot learn one sur/step correctly in some hours? No it is not so. The Guru actually knows when the sur/step has come out correct because it is correct when it comes straight out of the heart. The article quotes an example of Ustaad Aamir Khan saheb who made his disciple practice one single sur for a year till the singer was one with that note. How spiritual! And so, I too feel that yes any type of classical dance or singing or be it learning any talent/art it is a type of 'sadhana' which requires patience, perseverance, discipline, hard work and also propels you in a constructive direction. I have very rarely heard classical singers or dancers speak their learning in terms of degrees or qualifications. They always tell the number of years that they learnt that music or dance.
I know, I missed the boat and didn't learn any music and dance, but I hope my children get to experience this side of spirituality too. As for me, I will have to find spirituality in something other than music and dance;-)
