Quote of the day by Ustad Bismillah Khan: “Music lets me forget bad experiences. You cannot keep ragas and regrets in your mind together.”

Quote of the day by Ustad Bismillah Khan: “Music lets me forget bad experiences. You cannot keep ragas and regrets in your mind together.”

• Ustad Bismillah Khan saw music as a way to dissolve suffering through presence
• Engaging deeply in art or purpose helps silence regret and heal emotional pain
• Discipline and immersion in meaningful activity foster inner peace and healing

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When we speak of legends who made Indian classical music a spiritual practice, Ustaad Bismillah Khan stands unmatched. A maestro of the shehnai, he did not merely play music; he lived it. His life was marked by discipline, humility and deep emotional sensitivity. In this simple yet profound quote, he shares a truth learned not from books, but from decades of surrendering himself to sound. To him, music was not an escape from reality, but a way of dissolving suffering without denying it.

What does the quote mean?

The quote tells us that the human mind cannot fully hold two opposing states at once. Regret belongs to the past; music exists only in the present. When you truly engage with something meaningful, whether it is music, art, prayer or purpose, your attention leaves behind what wounded you.

Ragas require focus, emotion and discipline. The Ustaad implies that pain survives in idle spaces of the mind. But when the mind is occupied with beauty, structure and rhythm, regret loses its voice. Music, in this sense, becomes a form of meditation, one that gently pushes sorrow out without force.

Also Read: Quote of the day by Ashwin Sanghi: “Worry is like a rocking chair; it keeps you in motion but gets you nowhere”

Why this idea matters?

In a world that constantly reminds us of what went wrong, this quote offers a simpler solution:

It teaches emotional presence

Pain often grows when we keep revisiting it. Deep engagement pulls us back into the now.

It highlights the power of creation over rumination

When you create, you transform energy. When you regret, you recycle it.

It reframes healing

Healing does not always come from talking about pain. Sometimes it comes from immersing yourself in something that reminds you of beauty.

It honours discipline

Music here is not casual entertainment. It is practice, devotion and consistency, which together build inner peace.

Lessons from Ustaad Bismillah Khan’s words

• Having a purpose and keeping yourself busy is important. Regret often thrives in an empty mind.
• Distractions come and go. But those who invest in their art or work can silence the inner noise effectively.
• Your art or your work can play a huge role in healing. Sometimes it is as gentle as a melody.
• Giving yourself to something meaningful helps reduce pain and suffering.

Tips to apply this wisdom in daily life

Find your raga

It could be painting, writing, sport, learning, prayer, teaching or building something with your hands.

Focus on a single activity

Choose an activity that demands your full attention.

Be present, not perfect

The healing lies in immersion, not excellence. Let yourself be absorbed.

Also Read: Quote of the day by R K Narayan: “Do you realise how few ever really understand how fortunate they are in their circumstances?”

Replace, don’t replay

When regret arises, gently redirect your mind towards creation or service.

Build a ritual

Just as the Ustaad practised daily, create a habit that anchors you emotionally.

Respect silence and discipline

Peace comes not from constant stimulation, but from meaningful engagement.