When I give my total attention to what you are saying. Then it doesn’t matter what you say or don’t say.

JK’s dialogue in the above video – Read below to understand this paradoxical statement

Key dialogues from this video

So can I listen to a statement and see the truth of the statement, or the falseness of the statement, not in comparison, but in the very statement that you are making. I listen to that statement. I don’t abstract an idea of it, or make an idea from it. I just listen.

What takes place? You may be telling the truth, or you may be making a false statement. I don’t know, because I am not going to compare. I just listen. Which means I am giving my total attention – just listen to this, sir, you will see – I give my total attention to what you are saying. Then it doesn’t matter what you say or don’t say.

You see this thing? What is important is my act of listening! And that act of listening has brought about a miracle of complete freedom from all your statements whether true, false, real, my mind is completely attentive.

When you listen to someone, completely, attentively, then you listen not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it.

Interpretation

In these dialogues, Krishnamurti delves deep into the concept of listening, unearthing layers beyond its superficial definition. Here’s an interpretation of his key points and how they connect to the principles of attention and detachment:

Attention in Listening

Attentiveness is more than just being present. As Krishnamurti suggests, it’s a profound immersion, a totality of being that takes one beyond mere words. It’s about grasping the very essence of what is communicated, without judgments or preconceived notions.

Detachment in Listening

Detachment, in Krishnamurti’s context, isn’t about being distant or uninvolved. Instead, it’s a psychological freedom, a state of mind where one isn’t bound by biases, past beliefs, or comparisons. It’s this detachment that allows for true attentiveness, where the act of listening becomes more important than the content being conveyed.

Understanding “When I give my total attention to what you are saying, then it doesn’t matter what you say or don’t say”

Krishnamurti’s statement isn’t about dismissing what’s said. It’s about the balance between Psychological and Non-psychological listening.

Psychological listening is our first layer: it’s where our emotions, past experiences, and biases reside. If words disturb this layer, they can cloud our judgment. But, when Krishnamurti says “it doesn’t matter,” he’s pointing to a state where this layer remains unaffected, letting us maintain our inner peace.

With our psychological layer calm, Non-psychological listening takes the front seat. Here, we process words with clarity and logic, undistracted by emotional turbulence.

In essence, by ensuring words don’t impact us psychologically, we can truly listen and understand them in their purest form.

Contrarian Views

1. Practicality vs. Depth: Some argue Krishnamurti’s intense focus on listening is abstract and not always practical for everyday situations.
2. Emotion’s Role: While Krishnamurti promotes detachment in listening, critics believe emotions offer valuable insights.
3. Value of Past Experiences: Contrary to Krishnamurti’s stance, some say biases and experiences can aid comprehension in listening.
4. Guidance in Listening: Some believe listeners benefit from structured approaches, opposing Krishnamurti’s method-free emphasis.
5. Clarity vs. Ambiguity: Critics argue that messages should be clear for effective listening, contrary to Krishnamurti’s open-ended teachings.
6. Repetitiveness: Some feel Krishnamurti revisits the same listening principles often, which might dull engagement over time.
7. Traditional Wisdom: Despite Krishnamurti’s non-traditional approach, critics see value in time-tested listening techniques.
8. Attentive Idealism: Krishnamurti’s vision of bias-free, complete attention in listening might be viewed as overly idealistic by some.

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Midjourney prompts with inputs from ChatGPT

A focused mind illuminated by a spotlight, surrounded by darkness.

A serene figure meditating at the center of a swirling vortex of shadowy desires and fiery fears, emanating a peaceful glow, untouched and undisturbed by the chaos around.