Confession 174

The 174th training precept: Making music.

Origin Story

Location as before. Then Thullanandā bhikkhunī came to a wealthy house, and amused herself with the women. They were fond of each other, and the women said: “Noble one, teach us music.” The bhikkhunī then taught them how to do it. The lay people saw it and were upset. The bhikkhunīs told the bhikkhus, and the bhikkhus told the Buddha. The Buddha asked Thullanandā: “Did you really teach them to make music in this way?” She answered: “I really did.” The World-honored One criticized her, as explained in detail, down to: “I’ll lay down another training precept. You should recite it like this:

Final Ruling

‘If a bhikkhunī makes music, it’s a pācittiya.’”

Explanations

“A bhikkhunī” means Thullanandā etc.

“Making music” means making sounds with musical instruments.

The explanations of the rule factors etc. are as explained in detail before.