Remembering Tansen brings such a smile to my face. He reminded me of the Zen Buddhist Oxherder panels that depict the road to enlightenment. The final panel shows the enlightened one spreading flower petals (blessings) wherever he went and this was what it was like to be with Tansen.
I had the good fortune to spend ten blessed years with Tansen including his last precious moment on earth. We had something that I called a “living marriage” where we tended our marriage like a garden and renewed our vows constantly.
Tansen used to love to say the word “Terrific!” when asked how he was doing. He loved how it made his body feel and often would remind me that we didn’t “have the luxury of a negative thought.” Another one of his favorite sayings was “Don’t Impress Yourself!” He was very committed to keeping his soul free from negative impressions.
Tansen epitomized the path that Murshid spoke about when he described duty and religion as parallel paths that both lead to God. Tansen was joyously devoted to service at all times. In fact, Pir Vilayat openly recognized him as a saint. I have the rare good fortune to corroborate Pir Vilayat’s observation. Tansen literally never had an unkind word to say about anybody at anytime. And he didn’t think any unkind thoughts either. He was very disciplined that way.
One of the first times that I noticed what a paradise it was to live with Tansen, was when we were stuck in the LAX airport. We were planning on taking a trip to Hawaii (my first trip!) We got up at 4am to catch the airport shuttle to arrive at the airport by 6. Our plane was scheduled to depart by 8. Instead, we encountered one delay after another. By 4pm the other passengers were so enraged I felt that we were in serious danger of being in a riot situation.
In stark contrast, Tansen exuded unwavering calm and good cheer. We enjoyed each others company and entertained ourselves beautifully. We didn’t actually board the plane until 11 pm but by that time, I realized that I didn’t need to go anywhere to be in paradise. To have the good fortune to enjoy Tansen’s heavenly presence was a paradise in itself.
On this day, Thanksgiving Day, I remain forever grateful for Tansen.
Elizabeth “Elsa” Weber-Fraley
Mine and Tansen’s birthdays were one day apart. I remember Qahira saying to me once, “O, you’re a Libra!”. As though she knew all about that.
Tansen was a joyous, non-judgemental friend in my life, through all my perceived trials and tribulations. Also, I appreciated his support of Qahira. He was a saint, without a doubt; a steady and true friend.
I am so happy that he and Elsa found one another and shared so much love in his later years. AND, I am grateful for his beautiful voice! I can still hear him singing the words of Pir-O-Murshid’s prayers.
Tansen was a good friend, mentor and great role model for me.
When visiting him in Camarillo he welcomed me into his home with his warm hospitality, took me to a vegetarian restaurant, to the ocean where a wave almost swept us away and he welcomed the sea with a big hug;he also took me to a senior home, where he would sing barbershop.
Being a singer myself I kept looking for music in his house. What a blessing, when upon departure Tansen gifted me with a tape of recordings of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s songs. He followed up by mailing me the sheet music and that was the beginning of my studying and singing Murshid’s music.
Tansen sang at our wedding at the Abode meditation hall.
He was a lover of beauty, a true friend, a master of song and the music of life. Many years later he revisited the Abode, when he was already sick. His presence of loving generosity will always stay with me. “ Thy music causeth my soul to dance