What is listening ?

[ghop]

Re: What is listening ?

gassho
Greg

[Omoi Otoshi]

What is listening ?

With my two-year-old, I can't rely on listening to the words he's saying, because they aren't always easily recognizable...

Instead I have to practice listening to what he's really trying to express. I need to really try to understand what he is telling me, instead of just absent mindedly and half-heartedly listening to the words coming out of his mouth, like is often the mode of conversation between adults. In my experience, we're not often really listening, not really interested. Often, we're just filtering words though our egos, automatically categorizing what is said as truth or bullshit, according to our views and opinions. Often, in our mind we're not even present, in this place, in this moment, so how can we listen? Instead we're thinking about how we might benefit, what we are going to say next to impress the other person, about what do next, after this boring conversation has ended and so on. My kid isn't easily impressed by words. But he smiles when really seen, really listened to. He's the most wonderful Zen teacher.

When we are truly listening, to me, that is Zazen, on or off the cushion. Who is listening? Who is sitting? Great questions!

Thank you,
Gassho

/Pontus

[Risho]

Re: What is listening ?

What? Can you repeat that?

Kidding :mrgreen:

Gassho

[Yugen]

Re: What is listening ?

This is a great thread, thank you all. It is a good time to note that there are many discussions on the forum where I receive far more than I give.... I listen and feel that there is nothing I need to contribute (or am able to) other than my presence, but feel great appreciation for the thoughts expressed. Listening is a skill I need to work on... a lifetime practice....

Presence and listening is difficult to convey in an online format.... it is the difference between practicing with and for all beings as compared to practicing for oneself with some goal in mind.... the myriad dharmas expressing themselves through our practice instead of our coming to or approaching the myriad dharmas with some end or outcome in mind.....

Thank you, a deep bow of gratitude

Gassho,
Yugen