# The importance of hearing > [!summary] > *Hearing (śravaṇa) is the first and most important of the nine processes of devotional service. Knowledge of the Absolute Truth begins with hearing from authorized sources — the scriptures and the realized souls. By hearing about Kṛṣṇa, one's heart is purified and devotion awakens naturally. Unlike material sounds that bind the soul, transcendental sound vibration liberates. Therefore, the Vedic scriptures emphasize hearing as the foundation of all spiritual progress.* ## The Primary Devotional Activity ![[sb/2/2/36]] ![[sb/3/24/35]] ## One Must Hear from Authorities ![[sb/3/8/7]] ![[sb/3/22/10]] ## Hearing from Devotees Purifies ![[sb/4/22/19]] ![[sb/4/22/25]] ## Hearing Can Be Beneficial or Degrading ![[sb/2/1/2]] ![[sb/4/25/50]] ## The Perfection of Hearing ![[sb/2/1/1]] ![[sb/3/6/17]] ## Hearing About Devotees Is Also Auspicious ![[sb/3/19/34]] ![[sb/4/23/33]] ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/the-speaker-and-listener-of-bhagavatam|The speaker and listener of Bhāgavatam]] — Perfect example of hearing - [[wiki/articles/king-pariksit|King Parīkṣit]] — The ideal hearer - [[wiki/articles/sukadeva-goswami|Śukadeva Gosvāmī]] — The ideal speaker - [[wiki/articles/the-glories-of-srimad-bhagavatam|The glories of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam]] — What to hear - [[wiki/articles/the-nine-processes-of-devotional-service|The nine processes of devotional service]] — Śravaṇam in context ## From the Index - [[index/entries/hearing|Hearing]] — The process of śravaṇa - [[index/entries/srimad-bhagavatam|Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam]] — What to hear - [[index/entries/sound|Transcendental Sound]] — Its liberating power