Learned today that Dhrupad ... comes from dhruv + pad ... a pad sung with dhruv or rest (very slowly) from the video below. Ustad Nasseruddin Saami seems very well read on history and music and worth learning from.  I have heard him once before and was superbly impressed by his singing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF__Jlrnv90). 

More from Wikipedia on Dhrupad as of Aug 2020: 

Dhrupad is a genre in Hindustani classical music from the Indian subcontinent. It is the oldest style of major vocal styles associated with Hindustani classical music, Haveli Sangeet and also related to the South Indian Carnatic tradition.[1][2] It is a Sanskrit name, derived from the words dhruva (immovable, permanent) and pada (verse), a combination that means "pillar". The roots of Dhrupad are ancient, and it is discussed in the Hindu Sanskrit text Natyashastra (~200 BCE – 200 CE).[3][4] It is also described in other ancient and medieval Sanskrit texts, such as chapter 33 of Book 10 in the Bhagavata Purana (~800–1000 CE), where the theories of music and devotional songs for Krishna are summarized.[4]

A Dhrupad has at least four stanzas, called Sthayi (or Asthayi), Antara, Sancari and Abhoga. The Sthayi part is a melody that uses the middle octave's first tetrachord and the lower octave notes.[7] The Antara part uses the middle octave's second tetrachord and the higher octave notes.[7] The Samcari part is the development phase, which holistically builds using parts of Sthayi and Antara already played, and it uses melodic material built with all the three octave notes.[7] The Abhoga is the concluding section, that brings the listener back to the familiar starting point of Sthayi, albeit with rhythmic variations, with diminished notes like a gentle goodbye, that are ideally mathematical fractions such as dagun (half), tigun (third) or caugun (fourth).[8] Sometimes a fifth stanza called Bhoga is included. Though usually related to philosophical or Bhakti (emotional devotion to a god or goddess) themes, some Dhrupads were composed to praise kings.[6][8] The term denotes both the verse form of the poetry and the style in which it is sung.[5] It is spiritual, heroic, thoughtful, virtuous, embedding moral wisdom or solemn form of song-music combination.[6][7] Thematic matter ranges from the religious and spiritual (mostly in praise of Hindu deities) to royal panegyrics, musicology and romance.

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

One of the lessons I have learned about living a rejuvenated life comes from my father. He is turning 70 this year but every day for him continues to be an experiment. Every moment brings some excitement. And the reason why this is true is because he has the penchant to learn new things everyday. 

What was said to the rose
- Rumi

What was said to the rose that made it open
was said to me here in my chest.

What was told the Cypress that made it strong and straight,
what was whispered the jasmine so it is what it is,
whatever made sugarcane sweet,
whatever was said to the inhabitants of the town of Chigil in Turkestan that makes them so handsome,
whatever lets the pomegranate flower blush like a human face,
that is being said to me now.
I blush.

Whatever put eloquence in
language, that's happening here.
The great warehouse doors open; I fill with gratitude,
chewing a piece of sugarcane,
in love with the one to whom every that belongs!

RUMI

RAAG ASAA MEHLA 1 (PEHLA)
This shabad is written in raga named “Raag ASAA”. Mehla 1 (to be pronounced as "Mehla Pehla") means this shabad is written by the first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev ji.
In this shabad Guru Nanak Dev ji says there are many books of wisdom written by many knowledgeable people, but the source of all knowledge is only one God, just like there are days, nights, months, and seasons, but they all originate from one source – Sun.

@damnitstrue: #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe Before u talk, listen. Before u react, think. Before u criticize, wait. Before u pray, forgive. Before u quit, try.

@ddiaz_wann: Be nice with people, they will respect you. But don't be too nice with them, they will disrespect you.

#ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe
@supricky06: #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe when you get older "daddy" will mean something completely different.

@WhereDeeAt: #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe How to Be there for my child, because I personally know how it feels to not have a daddy.

@John__Rieber: #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe to always say yes ma'am, no sir, please and thank you

@TheClassyLife_: #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe you can't always get what you want

@KhalifaAM: His 10 years of sickness implied: No matter how tough your situation is, just don't lose faith in life. #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe Allah yr7amk♥

@ShaikhaAlBadi: #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe always stand for what u believe is right, even if the whole world is against you

@salsabootyy: #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe don't drink milk and orange juice because acids dont mix with milk and you will have diarrhea

@angelinamujan: #ThingsMyDaddyTaughtMe Do what u love, u'll enjoy every single moment when u're doing it w'out nagging and stuffs haha

- The purpose of life is to sing
http://www.shivpreetsingh.com

Did I miss everything

I have put my two kids in swimming lessons.  They learn in group of 4-5 kids with an instructor.  The instructor generally focuses on one kid at a time.  When it the turn of one of the kids to learn from the instructor, the other kids practice.

During their break, one of my kids keeps practicing what they were taught.  The other one has fun by splashing water on the others.  You can guess that one is progressing in their swimming the other one is not. 

But one cannot blame one of the kids.  Its just how they are built.  One of them wants to learn, the other wants to play.  Guru Nanak says "Some are near, others are far; only the ultimate judge can pass a judgement."

One who learns and practices with an open heart, sings sweeter.

I was reading Jane Hirshfield's poem After Long Silence:

After Long Silence

Politeness fades,

a small anchovy gleam
leaving the upturned pot in the dish rack
after the moon has wandered out the window.

One of the late freedoms, there in the dark.
The leftover soup put away as well.

Distinctions matter. Whether a goat's
quiet face should be called noble
or indifferent. The difference between a right rigor and pride.

The untranslatable thought must be the most precise.

Yet words are not the end of thought, they are where it begins.

and I discovered a poem with the same title that Yeats had written. Apparently this is very popular poem:

After Long Silence

Speech after long silence; it is right,
All other lovers being estranged or dead,
Unfriendly lamplight hid under its shade,
The curtains drawn upon unfriendly night,
That we descant and yet again descant
Upon the supreme theme of Art and Song:
Bodily decrepitude is wisdom; young
We loved each other and were ignorant.

This is a beautiful end result of a simple idea. Yeats started with the following "germ" poem that describes what he is trying to say more clearly. So writing a poem is really reverse engineering.

Subject
Your hair is white
My hair is white
Come let us talk of love
What other [theme?] do we know
When we were young
We were in love with one another
And therefore ignorant

Read more:
http://marjorieperloff.com/articles/yeats-silence/

Learning is an invaluable asset that shapes our lives, enabling us to grow, adapt, and navigate the intricate tapestry of existence. It is a lifelong journey, one that transcends boundaries of age, gender, and circumstance. Oprah Winfrey once beautifully encapsulated this sentiment: "I am a woman in process. I'm just trying like everybody else. I try to take every conflict, every experience, and learn from it." 

As Oprah aptly stated, "I am a woman in process," her words resonate with the universal truth that each individual, irrespective of their roles, is constantly evolving and learning. We can all acknowledge this sentiment and apply it to the various aspects of our lives. For instance, I can declare that I am a man in process, a musician in process, a singer in process, and a father in process. In every facet, I recognize the need to learn from life's experiences, striving to enhance my abilities as a musician, singer, father, and global citizen.

Being in a constant state of growth is fundamental to personal development. Just as an artist refines their craft over time, I acknowledge the need to continuously improve as a musician. Learning from my musical experiences, I strive to broaden my repertoire, refine my techniques, and deepen my understanding of music theory. Through dedicated practice, exploration of new genres, and collaboration with fellow musicians, I aim to evolve and reach new heights in my musical journey.

Similarly, as a singer in process, I recognize the significance of embracing learning and growth. I seek to refine my vocal skills, expand my vocal range, and cultivate versatility in various styles and genres of music. Through vocal training, performance opportunities, and self-reflection, I am committed to honing my craft, expressing my emotions through the power of voice, and connecting with audiences on a profound level.

As a father in process, I understand that parenting is a lifelong journey of learning and adaptation. Each day presents an opportunity to grow as a parent, understanding the evolving needs of my child, fostering their development, and nurturing a strong bond. By seeking wisdom from experienced parents, engaging in open communication, and learning from my own successes and failures, I aim to become a better father, providing love, guidance, and support to my child.

Furthermore, as a global citizen in process, I acknowledge the importance of continuously expanding my understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and global issues. I embrace opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, engage in meaningful dialogues, and educate myself about global challenges. Through empathy, compassion, and active participation, I strive to contribute positively to my community and the world at large.

In all these roles, I recognize the transformative power of learning and growth. I am committed to embracing every life experience as an opportunity for self-improvement, recognizing that the journey of continuous improvement is what fuels personal fulfillment and makes a positive impact on the world. By remaining open to new knowledge, insights, and perspectives, I navigate the dynamic path of self-discovery and contribute to a better version of myself, fulfilling my potential in all aspects of life.

I must recognize myself  as an individuals in process, continuously learning and evolving. May I always have the fortitude and courage to approach every conflict, every experience, with a mindset of curiosity and open-mindedness. 

Jat pāhārā dhīraj suni-ār.
Let self-control be the furnace, and patience the goldsmith.
aharaṉ mat vayd hathī-ār.
Let understanding be the anvil, and spiritual wisdom the tools.
bha-u khalā agan tap tā-u.
With the Fear of God as the bellows, fan the flames of tapa, the body’s inner heat.
bhānḏā bhā-u amrit tit ḏhāl.
In the crucible of love, melt the Nectar of the Name,
ghaṟī-ai sabad sachī ṯakasāl.
and mint the True Coin of the Shabad, the Word of God.
jin ka-u nadar karam tin kār.
Such is the karma of those upon whom He has cast His Glance of Grace.
nānak nadarī nadar nihāl. ||38||
O Nānak, the Merciful Lord, by His Grace, uplifts and exalts them. ||38||

My dear Guru has removed my fog and has told me there are angels to guide my path, and that they are all around you. This is a story of how I found Brittany, an angel with bigger wings than normal.

First I saw a description on her twitter:
Brittany "Everywhere at once"

"Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music -- the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls."

Such a quote tells you that the person has likely understood the principle of Oneness, "Ekonkar." You know that the person has learned well. They have read a lot and picked this out of everything that they liked. But learning well is not enough. Knowing Ekonkar, that One is all, is not enough. You need to have shed your Ego. You need to be grateful. You need to understand that you were not born with wisdom, that you learned it; and be thankful to where the wisdom came from. Those are true learners, or "Sikhs" -- the disciples of life. Gratefulness is a general sign of learners, one's who have truely understood "Ekonkar Gurprasad." These are angels in bliss.

So I asked her a question. You can call it a trick question, a test, whatever you want. I have been asking this question quite a lot these days. (I used it last week with a person who had read so much, but found that he was too full of himself. Just wanted to talk now. Listening was not his style). So this is what I asked:

"I love your philosophy (twitter description). Where did you learn it from?"

And she responded:

"hey, glad you like it! it's actually from a quote by Henry Miller. Have a great day :))"

Aha -- she is giving credit to someone else. And there was a strange absence of Ego in her message. Somewhat intrigued, I started looking at her blog. And after what I read, I rubbed my eyes. There I found the essence of my dear Guru Nanak's words in her description of herself.

I watch,
I learn,
and I experience ...

taking in
all my surroundings
with an open mind.

I find life
quite beautiful
and am
so grateful
to be here ...
now.

Is not it amazing that this description sounds like a poem, a song? If you don't understand how to live by "Ekonkar Gurprasad," read the above poem again. This is the result of a deep understanding of my dear Guru's message.

And so intrigued I went through her blog. What so many people call "God", and get a lot of people, including themselves, confused. Thats why I don't define Ekonkar as God. That is just confusing. Here is how she defines it: "Wisdom". Here is a description of "God" by a thorough student who understands the bliss of life:

you alone
have sent me here

you alone
know my purpose

you alone
know the path

oh great Wisdom,
guide me through this life

Check out her other writing at http://binnyyy.blogspot.com/. Then check where she learns from, a blog of quotes: http://muchlouderthanwordss.blogspot.com/. If you aspire to understand like her, she even provides a list of what she reads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4952772-brittany.

There are some that become angels for short periods of time, just so I can learn. And then there are those like Britanny who are angels all the time, and have become angels in a very short time in life. I try to find such angels everyday; the ones with large wings are hard to find living. I am fortunate to have found Brittany and look forward to learning from her.

Eugenio Toussaint, a key figure in Mexican Jazz, died today.  Born in Mexico City on October 9, 1954, he was only 56 years. A self-taught musician, he started his performing career in 1972 as a pianist with the jazz band Odradek. In 1976, along with two of his brothers, he founded 'Sacbé', one of the most important and influential bands in the history of Mexican jazz.  He also wrote seventeen symphonic arrangements of Méxican popular music for a series of records called "Mexico de mis Amores".

He is my angel today on his death because he reminds me how learning should never cease. Despite his vast accomplishments at an early age, he continued learning to try to improve himself. Because earlier in his life he did not have the chance, from 1990 to 1991, at the age of 36-37, he studied piano technique with Leopoldo Gonzalez. Continuous learning is the mark of a good musician.

Its important to learn what you know well, so you can know it even better. However, my experience has taught me that it is important to learn things you might not have interest in too; with such learning new avenues open up that I did not think existed before. For the same reason, its also very important to learn from as many different sources as possible.


Discography:
http://www.eugeniotoussaint.com/works/discography.htm

One of his classical pieces that I like is Minituara 5 from the album Musica de Cámara:
http://www.eugeniotoussaint.com/works/musicadecamara/min5.mp3

Here he is accompanying on the piano:

This morning, "Toa Budh" left a message on my facebook page:

Toa Budh: Pass this message ------- Everything will be drown within few months/years. Save yourself by " worship of ethical and moral values. Speak maximam truth. Stop killing of animal/birds/living being. If possible Don't hurt any one. If possible Don't drink alkohole drinks and don't consume drugs,tobeco & smoke. If possible ...Don't eat seeds.(fruit is true food.) Love(innocent love & unconditional care) every human/living being. Help other. Forgive other's bad deeds. In case of wild animal/bird/other wild living being - prevention is good. If possible don't kill wild animal/bird/living being. " New world of peace & love will come soon. Almighty/Divine power will help u. Almighty/Divine Power(VISNU Bhagavan/ALLAH/RAB/GOD/ANY OTHER NAME) bless us all living being.

What I have found to be great in the life and works of Buddha is that he taught not by pontification, but by example. He learned himself, and became "Buddha," the all knowing; that by itself was the lesson, that itself a message. He believed that life's comforts did not bring peace; he gained inner peace in a unique way; and millions of others who follow him have found it as well. That message of peace is passed without being asked to pass.

Learning is the best way of preaching.
Listening is the best way of speaking.

Thanks for reminding me that thats how my Guru's taught. Most of the songs I sing are written in first person. Most of the bhakti saints sang in first person. Most sufis do too.