Music that may help cultivate metta and compassion

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Strive4Karuna
Posts: 318
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 9:38 am

Music that may help cultivate metta and compassion

Post by Strive4Karuna »

Listening to music will alter our mood and feelings and because of this I have avoided music because I have experienced how it has done so. Puts us almost In a trance like delusive state, but sometimes I feel peaceful loving music can be somewhat helpful in aiding the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion when my motivation is lacking.

I would rather avoid music altogether, but what would the Buddha say about this.
culaavuso
Posts: 1363
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 8:27 pm

Re: Music that may help cultivate metta and compassion

Post by culaavuso »

Listening to music for entertainment is not contrary to the five precept observance, but is inconsistent with the eight precept observance. The influence of the music on the mind is the critical component.

AN 8.41
AN 8.41: Uposatha Sutta wrote: "Bhikkhus. Ariyan disciples in this Religion reflect thus:

"'All arahants, for as long as life lasts, have given up singing and dancing, the playing of musical instruments and the watching of entertainments, which are stumbling blocks to that which is wholesome. Nor do they bedeck themselves with ornaments, flowers or perfume.'

"All of you have given up singing and dancing, the playing of musical instruments and the watching of entertainments, which are stumbling blocks to that which is wholesome. You do not bedeck yourselves with ornaments, flowers or perfume. For all of this day and night, in this manner, you will be known as having followed the arahants, and the Uposatha will have been observed by you. This is the seventh factor of the Uposatha.
Uposatha Sila
Ñanavara Thera wrote: According to the Acariyas, the breaking of the precept lies in the effort exerted in going to watch shows. If we are standing, sitting or lying down in our own place, that is, if we do not put forth the effort to go and watch, and if such shows or entertainments come to us or pass by, it is not a breach of the precept for us, though the sila would be tarnished. But in any case, not to listen or watch is the best. The listening to or singing of songs is a breach of the precept, except with such ballads as contain Dhamma that causes faith to arise as well as arousing weariness with the suffering of our life. For example, one Thera (senior bhikkhu) heard a slave woman singing about life's troubles. When the Thera heard this, he saw the tediousness of suffering and achieved attainments on the Path. This type of song can be listened to and is not detrimental.
Strive4Karuna
Posts: 318
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 9:38 am

Re: Music that may help cultivate metta and compassion

Post by Strive4Karuna »

culaavuso wrote:Listening to music for entertainment is not contrary to the five precept observance, but is inconsistent with the eight precept observance. The influence of the music on the mind is the critical component.

AN 8.41
AN 8.41: Uposatha Sutta wrote: "Bhikkhus. Ariyan disciples in this Religion reflect thus:

"'All arahants, for as long as life lasts, have given up singing and dancing, the playing of musical instruments and the watching of entertainments, which are stumbling blocks to that which is wholesome. Nor do they bedeck themselves with ornaments, flowers or perfume.'

"All of you have given up singing and dancing, the playing of musical instruments and the watching of entertainments, which are stumbling blocks to that which is wholesome. You do not bedeck yourselves with ornaments, flowers or perfume. For all of this day and night, in this manner, you will be known as having followed the arahants, and the Uposatha will have been observed by you. This is the seventh factor of the Uposatha.

Uposatha Sila
Ñanavara Thera wrote: According to the Acariyas, the breaking of the precept lies in the effort exerted in going to watch shows. If we are standing, sitting or lying down in our own place, that is, if we do not put forth the effort to go and watch, and if such shows or entertainments come to us or pass by, it is not a breach of the precept for us, though the sila would be tarnished. But in any case, not to listen or watch is the best. The listening to or singing of songs is a breach of the precept, except with such ballads as contain Dhamma that causes faith to arise as well as arousing weariness with the suffering of our life. For example, one Thera (senior bhikkhu) heard a slave woman singing about life's troubles. When the Thera heard this, he saw the tediousness of suffering and achieved attainments on the Path. This type of song can be listened to and is not detrimental.
Thank you
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