Confession 124

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying in Rājagaha. At that time, the group-of-six bhikkhunīs were the first to arrive at a place where there was a musical performance. They took seats, and laughed greatly and loudly during the actor’s play. The crowd then also laughed. When the people laughed, the bhikkhunīs became silent again, and sat as though they were meditating. When the laughing stopped, they again clapped their hands and laughed loudly. Therefore, the crowd stopped watching the actors, and just looked at the bhikkhunīs. Then the actors didn’t get any remuneration. Resentful, they rebuked them: “Because these renunciates sat there, we lost our pay.”

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, … They answered: “We really did this.” The Buddha said: “This is an unwholesome thing. Why did you watch a musical performance? From now on, it’s no longer allowed to watch a musical performance.” … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī goes to watch a musical performance, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “A musical performance” means a dance performance, a singing performance, the striking of cymbals and the beating of drums, and all similar performances, even just four-person plays. If she watches, it’s a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. One may not watch a musical performance. If a bhikkhunī on almsround meets the king or the queen, or if a heavenly being appears, and there’s a musical performance that she happens to see, there’s no offense. If from a low place, she makes herself taller to pay attention and continue to watch, it’s a pācittiya. If a supporter wants to make an offering to the Buddha by arranging musical performances, grinding perfumes, and binding garlands, and he says to the bhikkhunī: “Venerable, help me to set up the things for the giving of the offering,” then she may help. If while she’s there, she hears the music and desire arises in her mind, she should abandon what she’s doing and leave. If a bhikkhu watches a musical performance, he breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is what the World-honored One said.