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

[jkirk]

> 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