More than Spoken Words
Listening to the Teachings without Sound,
A Deaf Perspective

By Diana Cho

Imagine yourself sitting in front of the Wisdom Master, not hearing the sound of Her voice. What would it be like to listen to Her Teachings with no sound?

Coming from a community where I access communication through American Sign Language, I have come to learn and advocate the importance of both accessing English language and understanding what is being spoken. While I still emphasize the importance of such communication efforts and language development, when I first attended Wisdom Master Maticintin’s Teachings, I came to realize there was something beyond what was seen with my eyes. As a new student, with no language translator present, I found myself anxious and frustrated when I was among others who seemed to be able to both hear and understand the Teachings very easily. I only saw people laughing, nodding in response, and some talking. I did not understand anything at all. I thought to myself, “How can I develop myself spiritually and attain enlightenment if I do not have access to the spoken Primordial Teachings?”

I tried to develop a sense of belonging in the audience, but I also felt a mixture of emotions. Old memories surfaced regarding my communication issues as I faced the fact that I had chosen to be here without having equal access. I was thinking that there had to be a way to receive the Teachings. I went up to a staff person, and briefly shared my experience. She wrote that when I open my heart, I receive the Teachings whether or not I hear, which was later verified by our Wisdom Master. It resonated within me; my doubts gradually dissolved, and I began to give myself to the Wisdom Master during Her Teachings. When I focused on Her, I saw myself merging into total silence. I started to feel like I was in a complete meditative state. Nothing else seemed to matter. I watched how She walked and spoke. Her energy appeared very quiet and gentle, yet very bold. Inside, I felt this push to live impeccably. I began to see light around the Wisdom Master, as well as some other people in the audience, especially when they were engaged in a dialogue with Her. The light varied in size and intensity.

After my conversation with the staff person, I was deeply grateful to receive the support of daily notes written by one of the Wisdom Master’s senior students and to have regular group meetings to help both me and another deaf student gain clarity on the Teachings. They were incredibly helpful. Soon, I started to wear a headset, and finally got to hear the sound of the Wisdom Master’s voice. I was able to chant the mantra, following Her.

As I watched the Wisdom Master speak and other people participate, I had the sensation that I was no one, but related to everyone present. We all were cultivating ourselves for enlightenment. I was beginning to see that we were no different from each other.

During the Wisdom Master’s Teachings, goose bumps rose up on my arms and a subtle tingling sensation ran through my body. I felt the Truth ringing. I did not know exactly what was being discussed, but the energy radiating from the Wisdom Master and Her Teachings seemed familiar. A deep part of me recognized it. Often during Her Teachings, I felt Love emanating from the Wisdom Master. It touched a chord in my heart, bringing me an increased aliveness. There was an inner sense that I could not identify, pushing me to let go of my past, whether or not the Wisdom Master talked about it at that time. As I watched Her, I had the impression that I was entering a state of vulnerability or the unknown.

I still did not verbally understand what our Wisdom Master was saying, but some realizations were making their way into me. I started to see the meaning of being an observer without judging myself or others, and the meaning of being patient with my spiritual progress. My anxiety and frustration were being washed away, and I was freer.

I know such realizations will continue to come from the Wisdom Master’s Teachings as long as I am open to receive. My curiosity to know what is beyond my senses has grown, and is still growing. While it does not mean that I am able to grasp Her spoken words using the headset, I trust that there is more yet to unfold beyond my senses. With sound or without... here I am—listening.

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