Beyond the Noise of Words
Listening is an art not easily come by, but in it there is beauty and great understanding. We listen with the various depths of our being, but our listening is always with a preconception or from a particular point of view. We do not listen simply; there is always the intervening screen of our own thoughts, conclusions, and prejudices... To listen there must be an inward quietness, a freedom from the strain of acquiring, a relaxed attention. This alert yet passive state is able to hear what is beyond the verbal conclusion. Words confuse; they are only the outward means of communication; but to commune beyond the noise of words, there must be in listening an alert passivity. Those who love may listen; but it is extremely rare to find a listener. Most of us are after results, achieving goals; we are forever overcoming and conquering, and so there is no listening. It is only in listening that one hears the song of the words.J. Krishnamurti
posted by Wendy C. at 5:05 pm
2 Comments:
This is true when you listen to music or poetry that is being recited. But often you have to listen critically in order to understand. You will never really understand and remember anything that has been said if you only listen to the sound of the words being spoken. This shows lack of understanding of what actually happens during communication. There is a lot of thinking going on all the time. There is attachement of meanings to words, denotations, connotations, emphasis, etc. Listening is not a passive activity. It involves the whole being. A lot happens on the unconscious level.
Something must be said about gurus talking about enlightenment when they in fact they are not enlightened at all. If this is the case there would be just the exertion of domination or mind control over listeners, on the unconscious level. There would be no real understanding. Many gurus have unconsciously perfected methods, techniques to influence, dominate, and manipulate others. I don't say J. Krishnamurti is guilty of this. But he probably didn't know what he was talking about. I believe that most gurus contradict themselves most of the time. There is a combination of good insights with dominating ideas and techniques. And they are probably not aware of this at all. That people listen is really what matters to them.
Just an opinion.
Funny you would mention that. The fact that JK rejected the role of guru is what first allowed me to listen to his teachings without rolling my eyes like I do when other blow-hards start telling me about "ultimate truth"...This is why I am so thankful that JK walked away from the notion of being a shepherd...as well he should - we are not sheep!
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