The Gita is a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. This dialogue is recited by the Kauravan counselor Sanjaya to his blind king Dhritarashtra. Therefore it is evident that a sharp listener was capable of disseminating knowledge and as we know the ancient guru Kul system practiced recitation and learning of Vedas through oratory method. The attributes that are enhanced and confusion that are eliminated by the art of listening: • Sattva – wisdom, goodness, enlightenment • Rajas – passion, activity, aggression • Tamas – darkness, confusion, helplessness Listening is more than just hearing someone’s words; it’s about creating an environment where the other person feels heard. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to someone else’s perspective to gain understanding and engage in more meaningful dialogue. FIVE tips that can help you to improve your listening skill: 1. Make eye contact: This first rule is very obvious but frequently forgotten. If you don’t look at the person while they’re speaking, you give them the impression that you don’t care what they say. 2. Don’t interrupt: Let the person speak uninterrupted. To master the art of listening you need to halt any good thoughts that come to mind and let the person say everything they need to say. 3. Be present: Part of being a good listener is being able to be fully present and aware. 4. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. 5. Treat it like a test: To practice comprehending what you hear, act like there’s going to be a test on what you’re hearing. Be a Listener to Be Heard.

Listen to our podcast on Shruti- Art of listening.