- Numbered Discourses 5.209 Aṅguttara Nikāya 5.209
- 21. With Kimbila 21. Kimilavagga
The Sound of Singing Gītassarasutta
“Mendicants, there are these five drawbacks in reciting with a drawn-out singing voice. “Pañcime, bhikkhave, ādīnavā āyatakena gītassarena dhammaṁ bhaṇantassa. What five? Katame pañca? You relish the sound of your own voice. Others relish the sound of your voice. Householders complain: Attanāpi tasmiṁ sare sārajjati, parepi tasmiṁ sare sārajjanti, gahapatikāpi ujjhāyanti: ‘These ascetics who follow the Sakyan, sing just like us!’ When you’re enjoying the melody, your immersion breaks up. Those who come after follow your example. ‘yatheva mayaṁ gāyāma, evamevaṁ kho samaṇā sakyaputtiyā gāyantī’ti, sarakuttimpi nikāmayamānassa samādhissa bhaṅgo hoti, pacchimā janatā diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjati. These are the five drawbacks in reciting with a drawn-out singing voice.” Ime kho, bhikkhave, pañca ādīnavā āyatakena gītassarena dhammaṁ bhaṇantassā”ti.
Navamaṁ.