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Buddhism and physical/mental abilities
I haven't looked much into buddhism but I'm really interested in it.
i know one of the fundamentals is being breaking away from the attachment to material things and also ego,
I was wondering how this idea correlates to abilties for example, playing an instrument.
Im really fascinated by both buddhism and music, I was wondering if this way of life saw it as a big waste of time if I put a lot of time/energy into developing a skill that makes me more attached to something I might not have in my next life.
Im not really good at wording my thoughts but basically if I put the time and energy to progress my skills and make myself a better player and composer (strickly for enjoyment) am I moving in the right direction? Any input is appreciated
i know one of the fundamentals is being breaking away from the attachment to material things and also ego,
I was wondering how this idea correlates to abilties for example, playing an instrument.
Im really fascinated by both buddhism and music, I was wondering if this way of life saw it as a big waste of time if I put a lot of time/energy into developing a skill that makes me more attached to something I might not have in my next life.
Im not really good at wording my thoughts but basically if I put the time and energy to progress my skills and make myself a better player and composer (strickly for enjoyment) am I moving in the right direction? Any input is appreciated
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Comments
In general worldly enjoyments are temporary and only provide pleasure while they are being engaged in. If subsequently one develops an attachment to that pleasure if it is taken away or not being engaged in suffering will arise. Since these types of enjoyment aren't always reliable Buddhism teaches us to seek a more reliable and enduring form of happiness.
That's not to say that playing music can't be enjoyable just that its temporary. So, once again, there's no rule that says you can't enjoy playing music, Buddhism just asks us to reflect upon what the reliable and lasting forms of happiness are. Then if you find through your reflection that one activity would be better than another to work to abandon the former in exchange for the latter. Again, not as a matter of doctrine but as a matter of understanding.
There's a shelf full of books called "zen and the art of..." something.
When you study making music you have no thoughts about future or past. You may even forget about yourself and experience some degree of flow or Samadhi.
All of that fits perfectly into spiritual practice.
So (IMHO) there’s a lot of benefit in being a good musician. Just make it a part of your Buddhist Path and don’t turn them into opposites.
Both my parents are musicians and I have studied the piano extensively.
I think you can enjoy the musical instrument as much as you like. It won't detract from your practise. In fact, become "mindful" and focus on each sound one by one can help the concentration/meditation aspect of the Noble path. The Buddha taught mindfulness.
Enjoy it while you can. But reflect that this enjoyment is temporary. It will end one day. This will actually further your enjoyment in the now. You will actuaully have more pleasure.
My daughter said one day that some music made her sad. She then corrected herself and said she felt happy, but just her eyes were sad.....
she was 5.
Also Puccini's Madame butterfly, bizet's the pearl fishers, and Adele's 'Make you feel my love' (Which incidentally, was written by Bob Dylan).
When I sang in the choir we performed this one.
Man, how I cried!!
I just wondered if it was a friendly thing to say to someone: “All hell flee at the sound of your voice.”
Anyways the singing was a heart-opening experience for me. Glad you love it too @federica.
Understanding the importance of approaching the activity in a mindful way, I just have one question (ultimately tons, but in time...)
What about 'to the grind' practice? For example, Beethoven who was listed in this thread was one of many famous musicians who was either forced, or forced himself to get better. The actual sesaion of practice was very tiring (and if it was technical work, which it probably was a lot of time) very boring. All of this however, was just for a greater enjoyment later on. Is there anything in Buddhist teachings that discourage this?
Another way to think about is, if you someone who wants to feel better (healthier, more energenic). They might force themselves to work out which probably temporarily makes things worse, but only because after a while they will start feeling better. (more energized, overall healthier) Is there any argument against doing something like this?
Do you mean something like a fast-track to enlightenment?
it's how the mind is I think. Buddhism doesn't change that aspect of the mind.
When studying an instrument, almost all methods have you run through exercises that aren't necessarily intended to be musical as it is to develop a certain skill.
An example of this is playing a scale or doing any type of ear training. While at the time it might not jump at you with excitement like music has the potential of doing, after a while, once you build this skill (at times a very tiresome, slow forming skill) you can apply it to do great things Musically. Kind of like lifting weights; you have to put yourself through some torture(harsh description) to progress. I was wondering what Buddhism has to say about these type of 'enjoy it later on' exercises. From what I know so far, you really should be enjoying every step of the way, or at least i think.
He still practised scales an awful lot - to the point where a bullet in the back of the head might have been a great way to shut him up!
On and on and on, for ages and ages..... but it improved his dexterity, understanding of sequence and skill.
The tedious feeds the genius....
If you are just plowing through to learn how to play music, you might eventually help others in the future if you're able to play beautiful music that touches them; but during the plowing through period you would be focusing (it seems) solely on yourself and your progress.
I think there is a middle way between steady practice and being mindful of others, as well as learning from them along the way.
there are times of great doubt and frustration in buddhist practice. expectations shattered and so forth..
Dont get me wrong, there are times where I love practicing, infact, I dont even perform much so if I didnt enjoy practicing I would have stopped playing a long time ago! Ive probably havent practiced as much as you cause Im only 16 but theres been times where I have gone up to 4-5 hours a day! I can be quite fun
If you can relate, practicing articulation and expression is way funner than running up and down skills to develop technique, in fact sometimes I have to force myself to do scale exercises or something relate solely for the practice of progressing. (and it pays off too, as they help a lot and when I go to play a similar passage in a peice, its really easy)
I was just wondering about those specific moments of practice where you have to sacrifice the 'in the moment' happiness for an even greater happiness down the road. From a development point of view, they are extremely effecient and help you progress greatly, but from a buddhist point of view, why do you need to progress/why do you want to progress is you dont enjoy it now? My answer is for future enjoyment (and being closer to bring out my passion of sound so others can enjoy) but Im not sure if its an idealistic approach.
That makes a lot of sence, I think Im starting to understand it now
Anyways, all of you posting great music can resume, that part of the thread was getting kind of good
BUT: at no time when I was studying an instrument did anyone make me do scales. Looking back, I can see how scales help with certain instruments. They help you develop dexterity and good technique. But yeah, at 16 I probably would have blown them off. I hear you.
About your sacrificing enjoyment now for reward later question, I think person gave a good answer.
Nice to have you on board. Welcome, fellow musician!
Before you run into Buddhism, read some books about it with an open mind - dont believe what the books tell you! talk to people about your thoughts and dont believe anything - just experience it - if you feel it suits, try to find a teacher - this will build a sound foundation for later life.
Youre always moving in the right direction.
There are far more important issues to worry about than music such as sexual craving, craving for taste of food, money etc..
What you should be careful about music is the lyric that it buries seeds of attachment for many people.
The mood of music is important too. I would avoid creating music that bring up negative emotion for people.