[Buddha-l] How to help the Dharma grow in western cultures

[Jim Peavler]

I have heard it said that anything not specifically mentioned by the  
Buddha as OK is inherently evil. I can't remember who said it.


On Jan 3, 2007, at 4:24 PM, jkirk wrote:

>> What I want to know is whether there is anything non-Buddhist  
>> about playing
>> the flute?
>> Actually, I am serious. Playing the (wooden) flute (jigs, reels,  
>> slides,
>> polkas, hornpipes etc) is my second interest after the dharma.  
>> Sometimes I
>> feel there should be more connection between the two. I think that  
>> is more a
>> problem in me, not perhaps a fundamental or theoretical one. I  
>> imagine there
>> are others on this list with some kind of "artistic" (I use the word
>> loosely, especially about my own endeavours) interest. Any thoughts?
>> All the best
>> Alex W
> ============================
> Hi Alex,
> Why should playing the flute or any other instrument be non- 
> Buddhist, since the Buddha didn't say anything specifically about  
> any of these, although he is said to have once complimented someone  
> on his playing of an instrument (but I can't recall the source of  
> that one). The reason monks are not supposed to indulge in music is  
> due to the special role of music in those ancient times, as sexy or  
> perhaps more
> intellectual entertainment -- for kings and other rich people. The  
> farmers probably also had their musical entertainments and folk  
> dances that expressed social solidarity and supplied relief after  
> the hard work of harvesting, or celebrated occasions like weddings.  
> Those who weren't monks were not prohibited from enjoying music--it  
> was incumbent upon them to reproduce and multiply, since they were  
> the economic support of the sanghas. Right?
> Joanna
>
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Jim Peavler
jmp at peavler.org