Sampajjano bears some resemblance to Shema, in Hebrew. Its most basic meaning is hear, but that is the type of hearing one does on a crowed street, in a store, or on returning home, it has no center or focus.

The next layer down is listening, this is where one's attention is focused, the words are being paid attention to. It can be a discussion at work, with a friend, or a lover, but it actually listening, with intent. The next and final layer is understanding. This is where one checks, here and there, to make sure you are understanding what you have heard and listened to. It is a conversation with a good friend, a partner, a teacher. It contains the desire to not just hear, but that there is a need to understand what is being said, what one is listening to. To make it and the hearer part of moment, where the possibilities of understanding are almost limitless.

That this should be pursued with vigor is a fine image. Not getting confused, but remembering that within a unity there is no abiding self, nothing lasts forever, so buy lots of nothing, it alone will last, and perfection as my dad taught me is in the next world.

Thank you for your teaching.