Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 161Dancing and Singing

THE SCRIPTURE ON DANCING AND SINGING

Naccagīta — An Explanation from the Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Naccagīta rule appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya collection, prohibitions that create a Pācittiya offense, offenses requiring confession. This scripture is recorded in the context of the Buddha training monks and nuns in conduct appropriate to the noble assembly.

In the age of early Buddhism, bhikkhunīs, female bhikkhus, and bhikkhus, male bhikkhus, needed to maintain strict discipline in order to remain distinct from worldly ways of living. In particular, actions such as dancing and singing were regarded as expressions of a mind of sensual craving and attachment to unreal conditions. The Naccagīta scripture therefore sets forth clear regulations to protect the spirit of practice of communities of practitioners.

Main Content

According to the Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka, Naccagīta prohibits bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs from taking part in dancing (nacca) and singing (gīta), or even from watching such performances. This is not an absolute prohibition in every possible sense, but is intended to prevent actions that cause distraction in practice.

The detailed content of this rule states that if a bhikkhu participates in dancing or singing, or actively watches such performances for the purpose of worldly entertainment, he commits a Pācittiya offense. This offense arises through bodily or verbal action and requires a confession of offense before the Sangha assembly.

The important point is that this rule is not meant to forbid music or art absolutely, but only to prevent attachment to them with a mind of sensual craving. Certain exceptions are recognized, such as chanting scriptures to aid memory, or music in chanting ceremonies for a sacred purpose.

Practical Meaning

The deeper meaning of Naccagīta lies in protecting the eyes, ears, and mind of practitioners from stimuli capable of arousing sensual craving.