An act of wisdom

We live in a world eager to speak. Opinions arrive instantly, conversations compete for attention, and answers often precede a full hearing of the question. Amid this abundance of expression, listening asks us to pause. Gita (18:63) unfolds on a battlefield through a dialogue. Arjun was overcome by the prospect of fighting his own kin and teachers, and lays down his bow. He voices his anguish to Krishn and seeks guidance.

Krishn allows Arjun's distress to find expression before offering counsel. The dialogue between the two explores duty, action, knowledge and the nature of the Self. Krishn's response challenges Arjun's assumptions and widens his understanding. Towards the close, Krishn asks him to reflect fully on the teaching and then act as he chooses.

The dialogue suggests that wisdom requires both attentive guidance and a willingness to learn. Arjun's questions matter, but so does his readiness to hear an answer that unsettles him. Listening becomes fruitful when we allow what we hear to examine what we believe.


In the Vedantic tradition, shravan, listening to the teaching, is followed by manan, reflection, and nididhyasan, sustained contemplation. We can seek to understand another's experience while retaining the freedom to disagree. A meaningful question opens inquiry; listening deepens it further.