It was a snippet of an interview that became the catalyst for this blog.

An interview with Ustad Zakir Hussain, where he mentions on how he was asked to step aside at an airport; and asked questions. The person along with him informed the authorities that he was the second well known musician from India.

When the interviewer asked him a question on the other Tabla players, Ustad Zakir Hussain gave a response which was so different. He said, “There are atleast 15 to 16 Tabla players who are better on their days.”.

In my view, his response conveyed quite some things (what you draw from what a person says may not be what the person actually meant :-).. perspectives are subjective, aren’t they?).

My perspectives from this response:

– Ustad Zakir Hussain didn’t agree to what was stated about him being the second well known musician from India; nor did he deny it

– He called the other 15 – 16 players better on their days – not comparing him with others but giving the credit to their playing

– the phrase ‘their days’ meant that everybody has ‘their day’ when they perform better

– the ‘better’ can be better than how they played on a different day.. again drawing no comparison

Not looking at Ustad Zakir Hussain as a well known Tabla player with years and years of experience and exposure, or as a person who comes with own lineage and credentials; but as an individual, who made this statement – my take aways on hearing this statement keep ringing in my mind..

– if we know what and who we are (in terms of abilities and capabilities), we know our standing and that standing is a well-balanced one.. well-grounded also

– It is a fact that each day is a different day that comes with its own known and unknown (hidden) variables. How the day unfolds is based on how we react and respond to these variables. If we perform our action well, despite these variables, it is certainly a better day

–  At any day if we are performing better, we are at the right time and at the right place

– At any point in time, the person spinning in the orbit is just us. We are at our own unique place and space. It must be wonderful as a witness, to watch ourselves spinning. Gives a very different perspective of ourselves which has the potential to make many a day better and many a day ‘our day’..

Perform.. spin.. witness.. believe that we are at the right time and at the right place.. trust that we will have ‘our days’ and that we are having them now.. visualise.. manifest.. every day is a better day..

 

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