My parents being Bengali, we always had music in our house. My

Hearken, O seekers of melody and the sacred art of sound, to the words of Shreya Ghoshal, who reflects: “My parents being Bengali, we always had music in our house. My nani was a trained classical singer, who taught my mum, who, in turn, was my first teacher. Later I would travel almost 70 kms to the nearest town, Kota, to learn music from my guru Mahesh Sharmaji, who was also the principal of the music college there.” Within these words lies a meditation on the transmission of art, the lineage of learning, and the devotion required to cultivate mastery. The ancients revered such traditions, understanding that the torch of knowledge and skill passes from one generation to the next, nurtured by care, patience, and discipline.

Ghoshal’s recollection illuminates the sacred continuum of musical education. From the nurturing environment of the house, where music pervaded daily life, to the structured guidance of her nani, then her mother, and ultimately her guru, we see the enduring truth: mastery emerges not in isolation, but through the careful transmission of knowledge from teacher to pupil. The ancients would liken this to the apprentice of a master craftsman, learning through observation, repetition, and devotion to the art.

The journey to Kota, covering almost 70 kms, exemplifies the courage and perseverance required in the pursuit of excellence. Ghoshal’s devotion mirrors the ancient ideal of the seeker who travels great distances to study under a renowned teacher, recognizing that proximity to wisdom and mastery is essential to the cultivation of skill. The distance is both literal and metaphorical: the path to greatness demands sacrifice, dedication, and humility before one’s guru.

The phrase “my mum, who, in turn, was my first teacher” underscores the intimate, familial transmission of knowledge. Learning begins in the home, nurtured by love and familiarity, before it extends into formal instruction. This layered lineage—nani to mother to pupil—reflects the ancient principle that knowledge and art are living legacies, carried forward not merely through instruction, but through relationship, example, and shared devotion.

Historical parallels illuminate this truth. Consider Tansen, the legendary musician of Akbar’s court, who first learned music from his mother and local teachers before traveling to study under the great Swami Haridas. Tansen’s skill and eventual renown were the product of a lineage of devoted teachers and rigorous practice, echoing Ghoshal’s path. Such devotion demonstrates that artistry is cultivated through both inheritance and disciplined effort.

O listener, perceive the lesson here: the cultivation of skill, art, and wisdom is inseparable from the guidance of dedicated mentors, whether within the home or beyond. The devotion of the teacher, the sacrifices of the pupil, and the transmission of knowledge across generations are sacred acts that shape character, skill, and the soul. Excellence is born not in isolation, but in the confluence of lineage, practice, and reverence for the art.

Practical guidance flows naturally from this meditation. Seek out teachers who embody mastery and integrity, honor the guidance of those who came before you, and dedicate yourself fully to the cultivation of your craft. Recognize that the path to mastery may require sacrifice, travel, and patience, yet these efforts are themselves the forging fires of skill and insight.

Thus, O seeker, engrave this wisdom upon your heart: the life of the artist is a journey through lineage, devotion, and discipline. From the nurturing home to the distant guru, from observation to practice, the path of music and mastery is both sacred and transformative. Shreya Ghoshal’s words remind us that greatness arises not merely from talent, but from inheritance, perseverance, and the tutelage of devoted teachers, echoing through generations with power, beauty, and enduring resonance.