The Quiet Magic of the
Guru–Shishya Parampara

In Indian classical arts, learning has always about tuning your mind, body and your soul to something much larger than you. That is the heart of the guru–shishya parampara, a tradition that has carried music and dance across centuries through careful nurturing, deep relationships and a lot of implicit learning.

In the older days, a student would live with the guru, observing, absorbing, serving, and slowly becoming part of the rhythm of their life.

Yasya deve parā bhaktiḥ yathā deve tathā gurau,
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ prakāśante mahātmanaḥ

Meaning: For the one who has supreme devotion to God and equal devotion to the Guru, all the knowledge shall become truth.

Lessons often began long before the first step or note: The way the guru greeted in the morning, or prepared for a performance. Art was not taught, it was caught, like a fragrance in the air.

Today, our world looks different. Classes happen over Zoom, students juggle work, school, multiple classes, and practice, and yet, something of that old spirit remains. A good guru still teaches far beyond the syllabus. A good shishya still learns to listen beyond words. The relationship continues to be personal, demanding, and deeply transformative.

A Note Regarding Admission Fee:

In the traditional way, a student would begin their journey by offering guru-dakshina, not as payment, but as a heartfelt request to be accepted as a disciple. It was an act of humility and intention, marking the start of a sacred relationship between guru and shishya.

In our times, this tradition lives on in the form of an admission fee. While it serves a practical purpose today, it also carries the same symbolic meaning. For students who would like to begin their classes in a traditional manner with a tambula and a blessing, admission fee will be waived off.

At Dhātrī Kalāmandira, this quiet understanding guides every class, reminding us that art is not bought or sold, but received through grace, discipline, and gratitude.

Our gurus guide each shishya personally, not only in the grammar of music or movement, but in the deeper practice of awareness and humility. We encourage students to approach every class as seva, an offering of attention, sincerity, and respect.