Becoming a vocalist!

Hi,

Had been busy these days, trying to learn the basics of singing. I accidently ran into a Guru, who has enviable credentials.

The experience of singing, that begun three weeks ago, has left a pleasant effect on me. Simply said, it is one's ability to make sounds, using one's vocal cords.

But, the irony is, it isn't as simple as it sounds. The sound produced needs to come from the bottom of one's belly. Having perfected this way to make sound, it is required to immerse oneself into the emotion (Bavam) of the words sung. Then, there is a basic need to have the voice resonate with the sruthi (the basic grammar of sound). Having done the above, the singer needs to tap the rhythm by his / her knee joint (while being seated cross-legged). The tapping changes based on the raga of the piece sung. The tapping needs to go synchronous with the chosen beat (Tala).

It was wonderful to know all these. My learning has just begun. My tutor felt it might take some time (a couple of months) for my voice to align with the sruthi.

The "known" seems to be a myth, and seems to admeasure the size of a grain of sand.

I cherish these experiences as they help reveal the depths of my ignorance.

Luv,

Vijay

Max De Pree!

Hi,

The regular readers of this blog would know that entries had trickled down of late. The last few weeks helped me do some intensive reading; a habit I had restarted after a considerable span of time.

Got to read some works of Max De Pree. Truly astonishing stuff!

I am honored to share some insights I drew from Max De Pree's works:

1. Good communication means a respect for others.

2. Understand and accept diversity. Abandon ourselves to the strengths of others.

3. Contrary opinions are a key source of vitality.

4. Everyone has the right to influence decision making and to understand the results.

5. Become vulnerable to each other. The key to reach one's true potential lies with each person working with us

6. Love's manifestations are subtle and infinite

7. Skillful communication rises out of obligations

8. A society cultivates whatever is honored there (Inspired by Plato)

9. Without forgiveness, there can be no real freedom to act

10. Opportunity without accountability is a mirage

I am fully aware that this entry is laden with borrowed wisdom. The readers of this blog should condone me for this, as this a by-product of being inspired by a great mind; that possessed by Max De Pree.

Luv,

Vijay