The art of listening, seeing and learning | J. Krishnamurti

Summary

In this engaging discourse, the speaker explores the profound nature of art, particularly focusing on the arts of listening, seeing, and learning. Emphasizing that true listening goes beyond mere hearing, he invites participants to reflect on how often they truly listen to others. The speaker challenges conventional notions of learning, arguing that it should be a dynamic process of observation and engagement rather than simple memorization. Ultimately, he posits that genuine discipline arises from a constant movement of awareness and understanding, leading to a life free from conflict and full of richness.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The essence of art lies in putting everything in its proper place.
• 👂 Listening is an art that requires full attention and involvement, rather than mere hearing.
• 🌳 True seeing involves perceiving the world as it is, without labeling or judgment.
• 📚 Learning transcends memorization; it is about constant observation and engagement with the world.
• 🤔 Questioning the nature of learning helps differentiate human understanding from computer programming.
• 🧘 Discipline should be seen as a natural form of living rather than enforced control.
• 🌍 A deep awareness of surroundings fosters a holistic approach to discipline and learning.
• 💡 The art of living eliminates conflict and nurtures freedom of thought and action.
• 🔄 Continuous learning is about adapting and growing without reliance on past memories.
• 🤝 Engaging in dialogue about these concepts is crucial for mutual understanding and growth.

Q & A

What is the speaker's view on the definition of art?

The speaker suggests that the root meaning of art is to put everything in its proper place, indicating that art encompasses more than just aesthetics.

What does the speaker identify as the greatest art?

The speaker identifies the 'art of listening' as a significant form of art, emphasizing its importance in communication and understanding.

How does the speaker differentiate between hearing and listening?

Hearing involves simply receiving sound, while listening requires deep engagement and understanding of what is being communicated.

What obstacles to listening does the speaker mention?

The speaker points out distractions, such as personal biases, judgments, and external factors like a strong perfume, which can impede true listening.

What does the speaker mean by the 'art of seeing'?

The 'art of seeing' refers to observing things as they are without immediately labeling or interpreting them, allowing for a pure perception of reality.

How does the speaker describe the traditional concept of learning?

The traditional concept of learning is seen as memorization and accumulation of information, which the speaker questions as being the entirety of learning.

What is the relationship between learning and computers, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that if learning is merely memorization, then computers can perform that task better than humans, indicating that true learning involves more.

What does the speaker propose as a more profound understanding of learning?

The speaker proposes that learning should be a continuous process of observation and engagement, rather than just storing information.

How does the speaker define discipline?

The speaker challenges the conventional view of discipline as strict control, suggesting instead that true discipline arises from a natural, engaged way of living.

What is the overall message the speaker conveys about living artfully?

The overall message is that living artfully involves deep listening, observing, and learning without conflict, allowing for a more genuine and liberated way of being.