tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709844700034298584.post5988490137412555871..comments2024-03-14T06:26:00.182+00:00Comments on Reflections: Ajahn Sucitto: Bound to FreedomUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709844700034298584.post-44616631652615938142015-01-23T23:30:25.039+00:002015-01-23T23:30:25.039+00:00Yes, the mind is 'affective'. It can be af...Yes, the mind is 'affective'. It can be affected for the good or for bad by external stimuli. Music and other arts are powerful means of affecting the mind; we might be calmed or uplifted by Brahms, or driven into battle by drums and trumpets. So, yes, it may be helpful to use music to produce 'good ' effects; but we're thereby still supporting the dependency on external sources to trigger the neurochemicals (or whatever) that produce the benign state. The real source of the good state is within. The great contemplatives, like the Buddha, could trigger that, independent of stimuli and recommended that we train that way, so that one acquires an independence and doesn't get triggered by the bad or deluding stuff. Of course, acquiring independence is a gradual, not Puritanical, process, but over time Dhamma practice does result in greater independence, and that independence (or freedom) itself is a source of an ease that is more profound than happy states. (Not to deny that we all need a 'leg up' from time to time.) Thank you: I think the answer to most queries is 'Keep on practising.'Ajahn Sucittohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17302243600533653954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709844700034298584.post-33685067806448214602015-01-17T03:29:42.549+00:002015-01-17T03:29:42.549+00:00The more I practice and listen to talks from renun...The more I practice and listen to talks from renunciates like you the greater my handle on the teachings becomes, except for one major sensual experience ,music.<br />I'm not a musician or do I constantly have to listen, but like chocolate, the occasional strains of Bach or the sound of the violin or choir is that comparable to drug,sex and rock and roll.. PLG (peace,love,gratitude) Tony Golding Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08979420624081427222noreply@blogger.com