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Buddhism and Music #2
federica
Seeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
This discussion was created from comments split from: Buddhism and music?.
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Thanks!!
Threads older than a year usually have none of the original participants still present as active members.
New threads are better, with a link-reference to the old topic.
Thanks!!
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Thank you for posting (although old post) the important question/responses on whether you can listen to rock music or other genres of music as a Buddhist. I have been wondering this myself as I have recently started following Buddha's teachings. If the music does not affect me negatively (or make me angry as some would say), it does matter so much what the lyrics may be, then I feel it is alright to continue to listen to what I like. I love music and could not imagine not listening, to what I consider very talented musicians. Thanks so much!
I would ask what is the message of music. Does it follow "right speech" (etc.). If it does, then I would say enjoy it, just don't become obsessed with it (don't become, for example, a Belieber).
If it brings one a form of 'temporary' comfort and or relief, go for it, I really can't see any problem, and if it does the opposite... (upsets you in some way)...why listen to it in the first place ?
Everything in moderation (Even head banging music )
I've spent part of the afternoon paying bills and dealing with various administravia. I meditated right before I started as I experience great aversion to paperwork on the weekend after dealing with it all week in the office and I really need the centering and focus to be productive. Jefferson Airplane's "After Bathing At Baxter's" just finished in the CD Player. Not very Buddhist, but I'm really not listening to the lyrics for any sort of meaning. I just like the music.
Music is just media, like TV, books and movies. I don't feel any need to self- sensor, except to the extent that the media consumption effects my ability to be mindful. I think @vinlyn's advice is pretty good - just don't obsess.
"Buddhism & Music" Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche What about me A blissful & insightful combination ...
I like a wide variety of music. And you'd be surprised how often you'll come across lyrics in Popular/Rock music that contain elements of Buddhism or make you think about elements of Buddhism.
Try to be mindful about what you're listening to, and the meaning behind it instead of just using it as background noise.
Yes, true...me and a bud on another forum discovered a couple: How 'bout Jethro Tull's song, Skating Away and Sly and the Family Stone's Stand?
From classic music to sweet pop songs and music with an "anarchist" attitude. They all do. They all reflect this world and life.
There are some songs that have lyrics and phrases that stand out as being uniquely 'Buddhist' or non-dual philosophy. That's what I was trying to say.
Everything is beautiful ....(in its own way)
Ron sexsmith is one of my favourite songwriters. He sings about the pain and joy of life and love like few other performers can. I don't know if he is Buddhist or religious at all.
Just one more. I promise. Here Ron sings about sexual misconduct.
I have to admit that I am a complete sucker for music I like ... to be drowned in delight ... like swimming without the swimmer. If this means I am destined for some hell-realm of error, well, I am willing to pay the price. No moderation for me ... not least because there is no moderator.
My experience has been that often the best way 'out' is 'in.'
Yeah, @genkaku -- you n Hitler can go to _ _ _ _! Oh, I mean Hell!
http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2007/aug/07/hiltersrecordcollectionexpl
@silver -- I particularly liked the tongue-in-cheek line,
Maybe this one has something to do with Buddhism.
Anyways, nice memories from the 80's
As far as I'm concerned, everything - absolutely everything is about Buddhism.
Love 80's music...and disco too!
One for @SpinyNorman...
Really enjoyed that @federica. Loved the combination of violin, cello and mandolin.
There's some Irish blood in my veins too.
Actually, that raises a question. If I'm not mistaken, the Vinaya prohibits monks from listening to music. Why is this? Should we householders likewise refrain from listening to music?
In those days, there was no TV, no internet, no mobile phones, so pretty much the only form of entertainment was provided by shows, poetic recitations, performances, dancers, and musicians.... all of which were sensual distractions likely to arouse occasional unskilful pleasure and excitement....
(If you look at 'Bollywood' films, there is still an amazing amount of singing, dancing and IMPLIED sexuality.... India still conveys a lot of risky stuff through a socially-acceptable medium of musical performance.... even Slumdog Millionaire ended on a party!)
Now, we have computers, the internet, mobile phones and youtube, so I would hazard a guess that these - TOGETHER with all the rest - would be included in the precept....
The Cure's Disintegration has been, and still is somehow
quite close to the "perfection".
The Velvet Underground - I'm Set Free
Time by Pink Floyd
Rock musician Brian May, lead guitarist for Queen, is a Buddhist (and vegetarian). He's written some pretty intense, emotional music. One of my favorites, a commentary on organized religion's culture and teachings, is called The Prophet's Song.
Jazz musician Herbie Hancock, one of my major influences, is Buddhist.
As a musician myself, I was drawn to Buddhism as I discovered many of the people I admire are Buddhist. I wondered what it was that gave these people such insight into the human experience.
When the Beatles split up I was still hungry for all things Beatle so I was ready to embrace the messages in George Harrison's songs from the album "All Things Must Pass." When I listen to those songs now from a Buddhist perspective I realize how powerful the effect of music can be on a person.
I have the most ridiculous music crush on this lady. Mireille Mathieu will always have my heart (I know she's like 69 now). Her voice and the way she carries herself...she's the essence of beauty with such confidence. I am so in love with French music.