COMPREHENDING SUFFERING THROUGH DEEP LISTENING IN CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE: THE IMPACT ON THE LISTENERS' WORK AND LIFE

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Deep listening was shown to be essential in various contexts such as education, healthcare, research, leadership, counseling, and therapy. It did not involve merely hearing words or sounds but also required engaging with and providing a trustworthy space for the speaker. Deep listening played a crucial role in healing people's suffering, as it made them feel heard, understood, and respected. Numerous publications demonstrated the benefits of deep listening for speakers, who gained connection, understanding, and empathy and sometimes discovered better possibilities for problem-solving. However, there remained a knowledge gap in the scholarly area regarding the impact of deep listening on the listener. This research aimed to study the comprehension of suffering through the impact of deep listening on the listener, guided by the research questions: How did practicing deep listening bring about the listener's well-being, and what impact did practicing deep listening have on the listener's work and life.

Methodology: This study employed qualitative research with a documentary research methodology. The primary data sources included master theses in the Contemplative Education Curriculum from 2554-2566 B.E. The selection process followed criteria that required: 1) The thesis researchers to employ deep listening as a personal practice; and 2) The researchers to pursue self-inquiry on deep listening practice during the thesis process. Quality control criteria for handling documentary sources included authenticity, credibility, representativeness, and meaning. The researchers collected two selected theses in both electronic and printed formats, reading and re-reading them while employing thematic analysis to uncover results that answered the research questions.

Main Results: Thematic analysis identified four key themes as the results of this research:
1) Practicing listening to the listener's inner voice; 2) Experiential learning on the meaningfulness of deep listening; 3) Cultivating loving kindness and compassion; and 4) Gaining a proper understanding of the nature of life.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This research article aligned with Applied Buddhism and was categorized under "Buddhism and the Development of Wisdom and Morality with Buddhism."
In practicing deep listening, listeners were required to avoid mixing their inner voices with those of the speakers. They observed their internal processes and remained mindful of this disturbance during the listening session. This process demanded mindful observation, particularly the close monitoring of the listeners' feelings and thoughts (Vedanānupassanā
and Cittānupassanā Satipaṭṭhāna). Deep listening practitioners also practiced letting go of egoism to cultivate a mind of emptiness, allowing them to welcome the speakers' voices without bias. This research revealed that heightened awareness of their feelings and thoughts allowed listeners to study the structure of their suffering and resolve their issues more effectively. The research highlighted three categories of suffering, or Dukkha, in Buddhadhamma: 1) Dukkha-vedana: Physical and mental discomfort; 2) Dukkhata, A characteristic within the Three Marks of Existence (Tilakkhaṇa), and 3) Dukkha as a statement of suffering within the Four Noble Truths. This research focused on the third category, particularly the function of comprehending suffering (Pariñña).

Conclusions: Deep listening practice, as applied under contemplative frameworks, demonstrated its potential as a transformative tool for mindfulness-based personal and professional growth. This research highlighted how deep listening could enhance the quality of interpersonal relationships and promote psychological well-being by fostering self-awareness, experiential learning, cultivating compassion, and gaining a deeper understanding of life. Moreover, integrating mindfulness and compassion practices amplified the benefits of deep listening, making it a valuable exercise for individuals across various fields, including healthcare, education, and counseling.