• The Art of Listening

  • A Guide to the Early Teachings of Buddhism
  • By: Sarah Shaw
  • Narrated by: Sarah Shaw
  • Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (8 ratings)

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The Art of Listening  By  cover art

The Art of Listening

By: Sarah Shaw
Narrated by: Sarah Shaw
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Publisher's summary

The Dīghanikāya or Long Discourses of the Buddha is one of the four major collections of teachings from the early period of Buddhism. Its 34 suttas (in Sanskrit, sutras) demonstrate remarkable breadth in both content and style, forming a comprehensive collection. The Art of Listening gives an introduction to the Dīghanikāya and demonstrates the historical, cultural, and spiritual insights that emerge when we view the Buddhist suttas as oral literature.

Each sutta of the Dīghanikāya is a paced, rhythmic composition that evolved and passed inter-generationally through chanting. For hundreds of years, these timeless teachings were never written down. Examining 12 suttas of the Dīghanikāya, scholar Sarah Shaw combines a literary approach and a personal one, based on her experiences carefully studying, hearing, and chanting the texts. At once sophisticated and companionable, The Art of Listening will introduce you to the diversity and beauty of the early Buddhist suttas.

©2021 Sarah Shaw (P)2021 Shambhala Publications

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What listeners say about The Art of Listening

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Thoroughly immersive

I have listened to the Digha Nikaya for years as part of my regular practice. Even so, Dr. Shaw’s excellent book gave me new insights into the depth and breadth of DN as well a renewed sense of wonder. Thank you, Dr. Shaw!

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    3 out of 5 stars

The best description of the Digha Nikaya to date. Amazing.

Spectacular - I haven’t ever seen such a thorough and careful investigation of this deeply important text. Shaw has given us a great gift.

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The art of listening

I thought this book would teach me how to be a better listener. It was so boring I listened to it to help me sleep. Learned nothing about how to be a better listener. Just not for me.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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First word clipped in every sentence.

Very difficult to understand since every first word of each sentence was clipped short. It is exhausting, trying to figure out what she said with EVERY line.

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