WHAT IS WRONG WITH SINGING THE DHAMMA? - Dhamma Q&A

Sutta Meditation Series

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

In this short session, we look at a question that has been asked:

“A friend recently accused me of singing the Dhamma, rather than reciting it. We got into an argument about it, where he was saying “it’s in the suttas” and I was saying “I’m following what I’ve learned at the temple or monastery, and the chants that are on YouTube”. Could you offer some guidance on what the Buddha has recommended? What is wrong with singing the Dhamma?”

To answer this question, we reference the Gītassara Sutta (AN 5.209) and its origin story from the Chapter on Short Topics in the Vinaya. We also connect with other teachings of the Buddha to help us understand the dangers of singing the Dhamma and how to discern the difference between reciting (chanting) and singing.

Other suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this talk:

• — Khuddakavatthukkhandhaka (Kd 15)
• — Pamādavihārī Sutta (SN 35.97)
• — Saṁvara Sutta (SN 35.98)
• — Suttavebhaṅgiya (Pe 9)
• — Asubha Sutta (AN 4.163)
• — Saṁkhittūposatha Sutta (AN 8.41)
• — Paṭhamadhammavihārīsutta (AN 5.73)
• — Dutiyadhammavihārīsutta (AN 5.74)
• — Vimuttāyatana Sutta (AN 5.26)
• — Anathapindikaputtakala Vatthu (Dhp 178)
• — Karaṇīyametta Sutta (Snp 1.8)

Bohoma pin (much merit) to the person who asked this question.

The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrad4J-pgo0

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

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