Milarepa is a great Tibetan Buddhist saint who wrote many brilliant songs of meditative realization. He is often shown cupping his right hand over his ear, listening to himself singing his own song. By cupping his hand to his ear, he can hear his own voice singing the melody and the words of the song.

Altogether, listening is a sense of personal inquisitiveness, which brings a sense of satisfaction. At least you can hear the music!

We have to help others who cannot hear. We can help them by providing a sense of joy. We can say to others, “Experiencing the world is not all that bad, my dear friend. The world is not all that terrorized by passion, aggression, or ignorance.”  We’re trying to cheer up the rest of the world —  including ourselves!

From “Attaining the Higher Realms,” in Great Eastern Sun: The Wisdom of Shambhala, page 127 to 128.

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Milarepa cupping his ear to hear himself singing.