The One Who Listens

Play a long held note, a tanpura drone, the steady sound of a harmonium key pressed without lifting, even a recording of a temple bell ringing on. Listen for a minute or two. Then, gently, shift your attention away from the note and onto the listening itself. Not the sound, but the act of hearing it. The sound continues, your awareness has simply turned around to look at the listener. Stay with that quiet looking. The one who listens has been listening to everything, all your life, without ever asking to be noticed.