The Good Listener

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura trained his followers in the art of good listening. He insisted that devotees regularly hear topics of the Lord (hari-katha), and once remarked: “I have had the opportunity to hear and discuss these topics since the beginning of my life. I have been discussing these points for fifty years now, in great detail and at every moment throughout the twenty-four hours, when awake and even when slumbering. While continuously discussing these topics, eventually my body will wear out and fall down. I will glorify until the last moment of my life all that I have learned from my gurus. Why only one mouth? Let me have unlimited mouths and an unlimited lifespan to unlimitedly glorify the unlimited qualities of Krishna’s devotees.” Srila Bhaktisiddhanta often quoted: “I do not consider bad a day covered with clouds, but one devoid of discussing the nectar of krishna-katha.”

The Srimad-Bhagavatam affirms that the Supreme Lord “cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.” When a speaker carries great potency and realisation, and the listener is serious and receptive, an incredible transmission of transcendental knowledge can transpire.

Uddhava was indeed a potent speaker. Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura explains that when Uddhava began speaking, his face was washed by tears due to the stimulation of love (prema) that was awakened at the very thought of Krishna’s pastimes. His heartfelt feelings for the subject matter caused him to faint and lose external consciousness. As a great and pure devotee of the Lord, Vidura was also a first-class hearer. He eagerly enquired about Krishna and His devotees, feeling a deep connection with every one of them.

Through four powerful examples, the Srimad-Bhagavatam Mahatmyam describes four qualities of a superior listener:

Chataka Bird – this bird is famous for taking water directly from the raincloud, avoiding any secondary source. Similarly, the superior listener hears pure subject matters from authentic sources, carefully avoiding unnecessary talks or distractions. There is a perennial risk of additions to, subtractions from and distortions of transcendental subject matter, and the superior listener is wary of this. Hearing intently from a defective source invites confusion and deviation.

Swan – the swan can ingeniously extract milk from a mixture of milk and water. Similarly, the superior listener can draw out the essence of spiritual topics, remaining undiverted by peripheral details, distracting side points or personal preferences. Often, we don’t see things as they are, rather we see things as we are. Under the guidance of saintly teachers, one can draw out the essential principles of scriptures and learn the ways and means to apply them in daily life.

Parrot – the parrot is famed for its ability to repeat whatever it learns from its master. In the same way, superior listeners have grasped the subject matter so well that they can communicate it to others in a clear, relevant and inspiring way. Furthermore, the beak of the parrot makes whatever it touches sweeter, and the superior listener also enlivens the transmission of knowledge by asking thoughtful questions which allow everyone to dive deeper into the subject matter.

Fish – a fish has the unique ability to sit in an ocean of condensed milk and quietly drink, without any blinking whatsoever. The superior listener similarly gives his undivided attention to the speaker, quietly, attentively and enthusiastically absorbing the transcendental knowledge without distraction. Much of this is credited to the humility and desire that the listener possesses. When one feels desperate and helpless, their heart is eager for transcendental instruction.

Some people learn through hearing, others by seeing, and those who don’t, have to learn through experiencing. If we’re unable to hear Krishna’s sweet voice of guidance, He may have to shout a little louder for the message to get through. By hearing transcendental topics (sravanam), contemplating them deeply (mananam) and finding ways to apply them in our life (nidhidhyasanam), we embrace a path of transformation which is quicker, easier and safer. Vaisnavas often add the fourth element of prayer (vandanam) to invoke the divine blessings in this noble endeavour.