Listening is the key to upliftment, wisdom

In Tamil Nadu, for most people observe Sravanam in the month of November and undertake a pilgrimage to Tiruchendur, for Kanda Sashti Vritam. 

There are nine types of bhakti, and sravanam is the brightest gem in that navratna. The meaning of Sravanam is very easy to grasp. Sravanan means listening or paying attention. All of us seek the ways to improve ourselves, materially, intellectually or even spiritually. We seek upliftment, and the best way to achieve that goal is to keep our ears open, and pay close attention to life and its teachings. 

Thiruvalluvar’s famous work Thirukkural has an entire chapter on the importance on listening. “Listening and learning from the wise is the treasure among treasure, the best of wealth,” he says in one couplet. “They do not err into nonsense, who listen, understand and reflect over wise words,” reads another couplet. “The ear which is not drilled by constant listening to the wise, is deaf, though capable of hearing,” reads another, one of Thiruvallur’s most famous Kurals. 

In fact, puranas tell us that when Rama invited Hanuman to Vaikuntam, his heavenly abode, when he was ready to depart this world, Hanuman had one question for Rama. “Will I be able to listen to speeches by the wise and the learned there?”, he is said to have asked. Rama is said to have told Hanuman that Vaikun tam is a state of complete silence, and no permission to conduct discourses and such events would ever be granted. Hanuman is then said to have turned down the offer of heaven. Instead he sought the boon to be able to listen to talks and speeches on the right way to lead a life, by listening to words of wisdom.

He is not the only one who seeks to plumb the depths of scriptural knowledge. Most of us are captivated by our spiritual books. Who will ever get bored of listening to a reading from the Bible , the Koran or Bhagavatam or Ramayana and Mahab harata or the Bhagvad Gita? With each reading, more interesting nuances surface, allowing a listener to connect his inner self with the book. At a minimal level, listening to the teachings of wise men give a listener 

immense inner peace. 

Listening is the easiest thing on earth. Consider for a moment. We all complain of eye strain, stress in the leg or in any other part of the body, and are known to exclaim, ”I need to shut my eyes for ten minutes.” or “I must sit down now or my legs will give way.” How many of us actually complain of ear pain merely because of strain? (One is not talking about noise pollution here). The ears can go on listening to good (or bad) things for any amount of time. The wisdom we de

rive from such exposure is up to each one of us. 

Haven’t we all mastered the internet? Aren’t we the wisest ones when it comes to decoding the features in the latest Samsung or iPhone? Don’t we teach others how to opt for the best prepaid or post-paid scheme from among a plethora of mobile service providers? How difficult can it be, really then, to listen to the wisdom of others and improve our life? 

There are simple lessons everywhere. Sravanam is also one of the 27 stars in the Tamil galaxy. Also known as Thiruvonam , it is the star of  Srinivasa, the deity in Thirumala. It is the star, Sravanam which has endowed him with immense wealth. It is also the reason why he is the most sought after deity, with lakhs of people wanting to have his darshan everyday. Whether you want power, or wealth or peace is up to you. The way to achieve your goal is easy. Pay attention.