Narayanasramam

[Guest guest]

Importance of Listening by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

 

In an interaction like what transpired in Kurukshetra between Arjuna,

the seeker and Krishna, the Knower, the knowledge process alone can

work and that is what Krishna instills all along. Krishna adds that

even listening to the Scriptural texts would be a full pursuit by itself:

 

Anye tvevamajaanantah shrutvaanyebhya upaasate |

Tepi chaatitarantyeva mrutyum shrutiparaayanaah ||

 

There are yet others who, not having enough knowledge take to their

saadhana after listening to others' exposition. Such seekers, given

assiduously to listening, too transcend mortality.

 

It may appear to be a unique addition. But on reflection, you will

find that listening has a very important role in spiritual life. In

fact the entire Vedanta rests upon úravaṇa, manana and

nidhidhyâsana. The first in these is attentive hearing or listening.

 

The seeker has to go to the Knower and get exposed to the Truth

attentively. Only when he does this first part, which needs the

presence of a Wise Teacher, the other two, manana and nidhidhyâsana,

can follow. Even reflection and meditation thus succeed hearing alone.

 

Hearing is so inspiring, enlightening and forceful that it has come to

be a great culture in this land. Discourses on Ramayana, Mahabharata,

Sreemad Bhaagvatam and similar Texts have played an important role in

the religious as well as spiritual life of our people for ages.

 

Krishna says, even that kind of listening is good, effective and

fulfilling. Such devout listeners will in due time, by their intimacy

and intensity, be able to transcend the world. After years of

listening, they become oriented towards saadhana and that bestows

purity and sublimation.

 

[This is an extract from Poojya Swamiji's 'Essential Concepts in

Bhagavadgeeta' article published in the July 2004 issue of Vicharasetu]