The beautiful lesson of Devadharma Das

The songs of various cultures began to make sense to me when I perceived them as a means for the elaboration of one's own identity. If before it was just the expression of the states, it became for me a way of recognizing diversity, singularity. From my appreciation for jazz, in all its improvisational essence and starting to mix with elements of Brazilian, Cuban, African music and etc., arose a strong interest in other styles and, consequently, a great respect for traditions, not only musical, but also philosophical and customs.

In 2013 I had the opportunity to take a class at Nova Gokula, Hare Krishna community in Pindamonhangaba. There were two group meetings in which only I was not devoted. Professor Devadharma Das, an Indian devotee who was teaching around Brazil, taught us practices for two instruments: mridanga, a drum that has drumheads at both ends, but in different diameters; harmonium, a key instrument with a bellows.

The lessons were important to understand the technical and theoretical concepts from the point of view of tradition, but of everything that was passed, the most striking for me was Devadharma's speech right at the beginning of the first class. "I want you to promise me that you will study the instruments sincerely." Then he said something about how money wasn't so important and continued: "If you don't promise you'll dedicate yourself, then it doesn't make sense for me to teach."

I had never seen this level of detachment before. His focus was incredibly sincere on the development of the students, it was what motivated him. The person first and then the money. How much of this is reality today?

Working with the real desire for the best for my students makes me very happy.

Dear Devadharma, thank you very much for your generosity in teaching us.

Hare Krishna