Ghitassara Sutta - The Dangers of Musical Intonation

Ghitassara Sutta 

The Dangers of Musical Intonation

Bhikkhus, there are five dangers of reciting the Dhamma 

with a melodious musical intonation.

Which five?

The first is that oneself may become attached to the sound 

of a particular intonation.

The second is that others may become attached to the sound 

of a particular intonation.

The third is that householders may become annoyed, saying, 

“Those monks & contemplatives who are followers of the Sakyan, 

sing in the same manner that we do.”, 

mistaking recitation for the indulgence in sense pleasure.

The fourth is that one’s concentration may be broken 

if one becomes caught up in striving to produce musicality.

The fifth is that later generations may ignorantly imitate such practice whilst forgetting the meaning.

These, Bhikkhus, are the five dangers of reciting the Dhamma 

with a melodious musical intonation.

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