7. Do not sing or dance, play musical instruments, or watch or listen to such events
Singing refers to vocal music; dancing refers to recreational dancing; musical instruments refers to lutes, flutes, and the like
(string, wind, and percussion instruments). One must neither engage in such activities oneself, nor intentionally watch or listen
to others engage in them. In ancient times there was an immortal who, hearing the delicate and subtle sounds of a woman’s
song, instantly lost his spiritual attainments. Since the harm from watching and listening can be so severe, how much the more
harm can come from engaging in such activities oneself. In the present day there are stupid people who quote the sentence in
the Lotus Sutra which mentions lutes and cymbals and use it as an excuse to indulge in the study of music. The sentence in the
Lotus Sutra, however, refers to using music as an offering to the Buddhas, not for one’s own amusement. It is permissible to
make music only when requested, in the performance of ceremonies in the Bodhimanda. Now, because of birth and death, you
have cast worldly life aside in order to leave home. Can it be fitting to neglect the cultivation of your proper duties and seek
instead musical skill?