Buddhist precept?

Question

7. I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.

Where it says "music" does that mean you arent allowed to PLAY music or LISTEN to music? Or both? Thanks!

Thanks for the answers!

( i wasnt actually intending on taking up this precept i was just wondering about it)

Answer 1

These set of precepts are for usually devotees who are a tad more serious than some of us so -called everyday buddhists. So the precepts are there to minimise distractions.

That particular precept deals with "attachment" to the sensual comforts. If one is able to "enjoy" music without being attached to it, then there is no breaking of precept. Attachment meaning cannot do without eg. like coffee, cigarettes etc. ( Notice how some of us just cannot drive from A - B without the radio or cd player on? ) So it includes Playing AND intentionally Listening to music/songs... I dont think it counts if you pass by a Hi-Fi store and they are blasting out songs by Madonna

- problem with most of us ( me at least ), music can also invoke many emotions and many who take these precepts are taking them to prepare themselves for retreats... so these precepts are a WILLING sacrifice of pleasure to fully focus the retreatant's minds on fulfilling the retreat requirements without distractions.. and MUSIC/DANCING sometimes can invoke feelings of missing someone, lust, happiness, sadness with a whole bunch of memories that come with it.

- but... some schools of Buddhism suggest that upon HEARING music, we should immediately be mindful and offer up the beautiful sounds to one's inner and outer deities/buddha, thus making the act of listening/enjoying music from a self-cherishing act into an act of sharing with the divine ones.


*add**

P/s: Alan.. there ARE such refrains and precepts. The basics that most people know are the 5 precepts. The ones that the questioner asked deal with the 8 precept, 10 precepts and higher precepts, that are an affirmation of the practitioner to embrace the practice of stricter self-discipline and minimising distractions to ones spiritual focus

Answer 2

The first 5 precepts are for lay people - you and me. Precepts 6-8 are for those who are currently in or preparing to enter a monastery.

Anyway, my understanding is you're not to play or listen to music. The actual implementation probably varies from monastery to monastery.

Answer 3

huh?

Buddhism got no such refrain. What you mention are luxuries. There is no saying that you are refrain from these. However, pursuing luxuries may be a reason to affect the spiritual mind.

In fact, it's almost the same for all religion perception.

Answer 4

I dont think it says anything like that. It only asks to refrain from extreme indulgence.

However in india, christians preach not to watch movies and listen to music.

Answer 5

This is one of the last precepts. It's meant for monks only.

Answer 6

Hmmm... I'd say both, simply because it says to "refrain from" music, so you would want to not listen to it or play it.

Answer 7

Chanting is ok. But it's better to have no music (play or listen) at all.

Answer 8

wide awake of the suffering brought about by potential of the destruction of existence wide awake of the suffering brought about by potential of exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression wide awake of the suffering brought about by potential of sexual misconduct wide awake of the suffering brought about by potential of unmindful speech and the shortcoming of ability to hearken to others wide awake of the suffering brought about by potential of unmindful intake