Listening as a Spiritual Act

Inspiration - RKT Newsletter

October 2025

Quote

अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्र: करुण एव च | निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: समदु:खसुख: क्षमी || 13|| सन्तुष्ट:अन्ये त्वेवमजानन्त: श्रुत्वान्येभ्य उपासते | तेऽपि चातितरन्त्येव मृत्युं श्रुतिपरायणा: || 26||

anye tv evam ajanantah shrutvanyebhya upasate te ’pi chatitaranty eva mrityum shruti-parayanah

There are still others who are unaware of these spiritual paths, but they hear from others and begin worshipping the Supreme Lord. By such devotion to hearing from saints, they too can gradually cross over the ocean of birth and death
( Bhagavad Gita 13.26 )

From the Editor’s Desk

In the constant stream of messages and phone calls, we often equate hearing with listening – but true listening requires the quieting of the mind and the opening of the heart. This month’s theme, Listening as a Spiritual Act, reminds us that every moment of attentive listening can become an offering of love. Whether we listen to others with empathy, to scriptures with reverence, or to our inner conscience with humility, we draw closer to the Divine presence that speaks softly within.

When we listen with faith and stillness, wisdom flows from the intellect to the heart. May this reflection inspire us to cultivate sacred listening – in our homes, at satsangs, and in our inner silence. This way, we may truly hear the voice of God in every aspect of life.

Bhakti Ras

Listening as a Spiritual Act

In today’s world of constant chatter, we hear so much yet listen so little. Phones buzz, screens flash, and our minds run faster than ever before. Amidst this noise, true listening has become a rare gift – one we offer neither to others nor to ourselves. Yet, we know that listening with attention is not merely hearing words; it is allowing knowledge to enter the heart.

When we stop to genuinely listen – to nature, to others, to our own conscience – we create space for divine connection. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us that even those who simply hear about the Divine with faith are uplifted (BG 13.26). True listening, when done with humility and devotion, becomes a sacred act of worship that purifies the heart.

Listening is also the bridge between mind and moment. When we listen, our wandering thoughts return home. This is why saints often emphasize shravan – listening as the first step of devotion.

In bhakti, listening is sacred. We listen to God’s glories, to discourses by saints, and to the inner promptings of our conscience. Saints explain that when we listen to the words of wisdom with faith and openness, they have the power to purify the heart.

Deep Listening vs. Surface Listening

Most of us practice surface listening – we hear words while our minds are preparing a response, judging, or drifting elsewhere. Deep listening, however, is a conscious choice to be fully present. Our outer senses are designed to collect information from the world, but without inner stillness, they cannot transmit true understanding. Deep listening involves stilling the intellect and ego long enough to perceive not only the words but the emotion and intent behind them.

When we listen deeply to others, we affirm their worth. We allow love to flow through the act of presence. To listen is to give another your full attention – the rarest gift in our distracted world. When we listen to scriptures, we serve God with devotion. When we listen to our conscience, we serve the divine within. And when we listen to others, we serve them with humility. True listening thus becomes an expression of compassion and humility – virtues that every seeker must cultivate.

In truth, listening is not just a skill – it is a sacred practice, a bridge between souls. For when we listen properly, we not only hear others – we begin to hear God.

Inner Listening: Hearing the Voice of the Soul

Beyond listening to others lies a subtler practice – listening within. Amidst the mind’s constant dialogue, there is a softer, purer voice that whispers the truth. This is the voice of the soul. The Upanishads call it the “antaratman,” or the voice of the conscience. But the soul’s voice is drowned by the noise of desires, fears, and distractions. To hear the divine voice within, we must silence the restless mind through devotion and self-discipline.

This inner listening is not passive; it requires discernment. It means learning to distinguish the voice of ego from the whisper of conscience, the fleeting impulses of the world from the enduring wisdom of the heart.

When we practice meditation, especially Roop Dhyan, we learn to focus the mind lovingly on the form of God. In that stillness, we begin to perceive divine guidance more clearly, just as the calm lake reflects the moon when its surface is undisturbed.

The Four Levels of Divine Communication: Listening Beyond Words

Swami Mukundananda ji has explained that the four levels of language – Para, Pashyanti, Madhyam, and Vaikhari Vani. These correspond to the depth at which God’s message reaches the soul and how receptive our inner listening has become.

• At the highest level, Para Vaani represents the transcendental consciousness. This is the realm of direct intuition, where God’s will is known without sound or thought. It is the divine language of the soul.
• The next is Pashyanti Vaani, which represents intellectual consciousness. Here, thinking occurs without the use of words – as if in a flash.
• Madhyam Vaani represents mental consciousness where the mind thinks in words – like self-talk.
• Finally, Vaikhari Vaani represents the physical consciousness where spoken and written words are used for communication, albeit without practical realization.

By practicing deep and sacred listening, we reverse this process: we start from Vaikhari – listening to discourses, kirtans, and scriptures – and gradually attune ourselves to the Madhyam and later Pashyanti level, where we begin to hear the voice within. As Swamiji says, “When the mind becomes pure and silent, the soul begins to hear what God has always been speaking.”

In truth, listening is not just an act of hearing sounds – it is a journey of refinement. When we listen with humility, devotion, and inner stillness, we transform outer sound into inner realization and rediscover the eternal Para Vaani, the silent language where God speaks directly to the soul.

Practices to Cultivate Sacred Listening

Listening, like any spiritual discipline, can be refined through conscious effort. Here are a few practices:

1. Silence Practice: Dedicate a few minutes daily to silence – no devices, no distractions. Simply observe your thoughts without judgment. This inner quiet prepares the mind for deeper listening.
2. Satsang: Listen daily to a few minutes of spiritual wisdom – Swamiji’s talks, kirtans, or the Bhagavad Gita commentaries. As you listen, reflect on how the message applies to your life. By immersing ourselves in Satsang, we train the mind to focus on the divine here and now. Each word of truth heard with devotion becomes a seed of transformation, leading us closer to God.
3. Presence in Conversations: When speaking with others, listen without interrupting. Try to feel what they feel. Such empathy transforms ordinary communication into spiritual communion.
4. Nature Listening: Spend time in nature and listen – truly listen – to the breeze, birds, or rustle of leaves. These moments help us reconnect with the divine rhythm of creation.
5. Journaling Insights: After listening – whether to a discourse or to your heart – write down key insights. Reflection transforms information into inner wisdom.

Each of these exercises is a gentle reminder that spiritual listening is an act of surrender. We listen not merely to understand but to align ourselves with truth.

Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom

When Devotion Cried

Once, the celestial sage Narad was visiting Badrika Ashram when he encountered the four divine sages – Sanak, Sanatana, Sanat, and Sanandana. Observing Narad’s sorrowful expression, they gently inquired about the cause of his distress. Sage Narad replied that his heart ached from witnessing widespread hypocrisy being practiced in the name of religion during his travels across India.

He continued his tale that during his journey to the sacred land of Vrindavan, he had met a young and radiant woman accompanied by two elderly men. The woman introduced herself as Bhakti Devi, the divine personification of devotion, and explained that the two old men were her sons – Gyan (Knowledge) and Vairagya (Renunciation).

Narad was puzzled. How could the sons appear older than their mother? Bhakti Devi then revealed her life’s story. She said she was born in Tamil Nadu, where the Alwar saints first spread the light of devotion. Her childhood was spent in Karnataka, where the teachings of other great saints nurtured her. In her youth, she moved to Gujarat, and it was there that both she and her sons began to age. When she finally arrived in Vrindavan, she regained her youthful radiance – but her sons remained frail and old, which caused her deep sorrow. With tears in her eyes, she pleaded with Sage Narad to help her restore their vitality.

Moved by her plight, Narad began to contemplate deeply. Suddenly, a divine voice echoed from the sky, instructing him to perform pious deeds. Following the command, he began chanting the Vedas with great devotion. As the sacred vibrations filled the air, Gyan and Vairagya showed signs of revival – but as soon as the chanting ceased, they again grew weak and aged.

Realizing that a more powerful remedy was needed, the four sages advised Narad to organize a recitation of the Shrimad Bhagavatam, the supreme scripture of devotion. Following their divine counsel, Narad arranged a grand gathering on the banks of the holy Ganga River. Seats were prepared for all the sages, with special places reserved for Bhakti Devi, Gyan, and Vairagya. Sage Sanat Kumar took the role of the narrator, while Sage Narad and others listened with reverence.

As the sacred narration drew near its conclusion, Bhakti Devi appeared once again, accompanied by her sons. With humility, she asked Narad where they should sit. Narad smiled and replied, “A seat is prepared for you, O Mother, but I pray that you may reside forever in the hearts of all those who have listened to this divine narration.”

Hearing his words, Bhakti Devi, along with Gyan and Vairagya, entered the hearts of the devotees present. At that moment, celestial beings and divine personalities appeared in great joy, and Shree Krishna Himself manifested, blessing the assembly. The air resonated with divine bliss as the glory of Bhakti shone once more upon the world.

Practical Wisdom:

• Bhakti Devi regained her youth in Vrindavan, but her sons remained old. This shows that while devotion may flourish, true spiritual growth requires the balance of knowledge and renunciation alongside it for complete transformation.
• The narration of the Shrimad Bhagavatam healed Bhakti Devi’s sorrow and restored the youth of her children, Gyan and Vairagya. Similarly, anyone who listens to this sacred scripture with sincere focus and dedication will experience a deepening of devotion, wisdom, and renunciation. This illustrates the transformative power of deep listening and engaging with spiritual teachings.

Youth Insights

The Power of Listening

Have you ever reflected on how comforting it feels when someone truly listens? That is, not merely hearing your words, but truly understanding your emotions and intentions? Listening is one of the simplest yet most profound acts of love and respect we can offer.

In Hinduism, listening is not just about sound, it is about shravanam, one of the nine forms of devotion, where hearing sacred words becomes a spiritual practice. Deep listening allows us to form meaningful bonds, not only with others, but also with our inner selves and with the Divine. True listening requires us to quiet our thoughts, set aside distractions, and engage with empathy and respect.

In an increasingly noisy world, silence itself becomes sacred. By embracing moments of stillness, we create space for divine wisdom to enter our hearts. Just as Arjuna attained clarity and peace through listening to Lord Krishna’s counsel in the Bhagavad Gita, we too can find guidance by listening attentively to our elders, teachers, loved ones, and the gentle voice within.

Ways to Practice Spiritual Listening:

• Be fully present: Set aside distractions and offer your complete attention when someone speaks.
• Listen with empathy: Strive to understand the feelings behind the words rather than focusing on how to respond.
• Embrace silence: Spend quiet moments in prayer or reflection to attune yourself with your inner consciousness.
• Listen to wisdom: During scriptures, bhajans, or Satsang, focus on the deeper meaning rather than the surface sound of the words.

Listening is more than a communication skill; it is a sacred act. Listening is even a form of prayer. Listening invites peace, understanding, and healing. When we listen with openness, awareness and compassion, we honor the divine presence that speaks through every soul and every sound.

Holistic Health Tidbits

Listening on The Path to Health, Wellness, and Spirituality

In today’s world of overflowing noise, haste, and distraction, true listening has become a rare virtue. We hear countless voices every day: our friends, the news, social media, and the endless chatter of the mind. Yet, despite all this hearing, we seldom listen deeply.

Intentional, active listening is not merely a communication skill – it is a spiritual discipline that nourishes both body and soul. When we learn to listen with presence, humility, and compassion, we create a sacred space where understanding, healing, and harmony can blossom – within ourselves and in our relationships with others.

True listening asks us to release the constant urge to respond, to stop waiting impatiently for our turn to speak. It invites us to surrender our inner noise and allow the voice before us – or life itself – to unfold. In that inner stillness, we attune ourselves to the divine rhythm that pervades all existence.

Ancient spiritual traditions have long taught the power of silence, meditation, and mindful awareness. They remind us that peace and vitality begin when we quiet the mind – when we listen deeply to others, to our own body, and to the gentle guidance of God and Guru.

Listening to the Body

When we listen to our bodies with attentiveness and care, we become aware of the subtle messages they constantly send us – tension that signals stress, fatigue that asks for rest, hunger that seeks nourishment, or discomfort that calls for balance. Ignoring these whispers leads to imbalance and illness.

By listening mindfully, we learn to respond rather than react – to care for ourselves with wisdom and gentleness. In this way, listening becomes an act of self-compassion and a foundation for physical well-being.

So, listen with intention, compassion, and love. 

Listening to Others

When we listen to others with empathy – without judgment, interruption, or the need to fix, we give them a rare and sacred gift: the feeling of being truly seen and valued. This simple act has immense healing power.

Modern studies affirm what sages have always known: genuine listening lowers stress, strengthens relationships, and even supports physical health by reducing emotional tension. But on a deeper level, it reminds us of our interconnectedness – that every being is a reflection of the same divine presence. 

Through heartfelt listening, we serve others as instruments of God’s love.  

Listening to Life and the Divine

Listening is not limited to conversations with others; it extends to our entire experience of life. When we quiet our restless thoughts and listen to intuition, to the whispers of the heart, we begin to align with our higher purpose – to serve God with love and awareness. 

This alignment brings inner peace, which radiates outward as emotional stability, clarity, and vibrant energy. Every act of attentive listening becomes a form of meditation in motion, a dialogue with the Divine that transforms the ordinary into the sacred.

Authentic listening demands patience, openness, and humility. It is an invitation to dissolve the ego and dwell in the eternal now, where God’s presence can be felt in every breath, every sound, every silence. Whether through meditation, mindful conversation, or quiet communion with nature, each moment of deep listening is an act of love and devotion.

Call to Action

Take five minutes of silence each day to simply listen – without judgment, without agenda. Listen to your breath, your heartbeat, the rustle of leaves, or the stillness between sounds.

Let that stillness become your medicine, your teacher, and your prayer. In that quiet space, you will find that your body, mind, and spirit begin to harmonize, revealing the peace that was always within you.

Reflection Questions

Bhakti Ras / Inspiration

What are some distractions that prevent you from deep listening in daily life?How might you integrate spiritual listening into your seva, family life, or workplace interactions?

Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom

What is the power of listening to the Shrimad Bhagavatam?

Youth Insights

When was the last time you listened, not to reply, but to truly understand?
What inner peace did that experience bring you?

Holistic Health Tidbits

How can you practice deeper listening today—to your body, to others, and to the quiet voice within?

Upcoming Events November 2025

The upcoming month of November will be very auspicious because we will celebrate a divine wedding at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas (Allen).

Tulsi Vivah

It is said that in Golok, where Lord Krishna and Radha Rani perform their eternal pastimes, also resides a divine personality by the name of Vrinda Devi. An eternal associate of Radha Rani, Vrinda Devi makes sure that the divine pastimes of Shree Krishna and Radha Rani take place for the eternal welfare of souls.

Tulsi Devi is believed to be an expansion of Vrinda Devi. Join us to know the story of how Vrinda Devi happened to marry Lord Shaligram, a form of Shree Krishna.

• Date:             November 2, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Venue:          Radha Krishna Temple, 1450 N Watters Rd, Allen, TX 75013

Participate in the Tulsi Vivah celebration to experience the joy of a divine wedding with a baarat (i.e., wedding procession), and the pheras (i.e., circles around the sacred fire).

Stay tuned for details!