user2442: Do music help? Why sometimes it feels equal to meditation in terms of achieving bliss (may be for short span of period) Or music is just an another time wasting thing? Text with links and pictorials in your answer are the most welcome. All are welcome. Thanks

user295: 
What did the Buddha say about music?

I am not sure what the exact Sutta is but perhaps which is one which is not yet translated into English. In this Panchasika or Pansilu is in love and composes a love song towards another Deva he has fallen in love with. Thinking who is the most intelligent person who can give an opinion on this is the Buddha he visits the Buddha vet his composition.


The scriptures record two instances of Panchasika or Pansilu, the musician of Tavatimsa heaven, visiting the Buddha: on one such occasion, standing outside the dwelling of the Buddha, and within a short distance to be audible to the enlightened one, Panchasika while playing his instrument named as Beluvapanda, sang his own composition which described the attractiveness of his sweetheart. A line from a verse in the lyrics he recited goes as follows...
“When shall I be fortunate to experience the warmth of your smooth and sensual bosom…”
After singing his favourite, Panchasika went before the Buddha who apparently was neither distressed/ disturbed nor enchanted by Panchasika’s obscene lyric; strangely, the Buddha commented about the high quality of his singing [it is not known, if he sang it in high pitched operatic or otherwise]. He specifically admired the synchronization between melody, vocal singing and the instrumental music! The Buddha said,
“the notes of your playing are in harmony with the notes of the song; the notes of the song are in harmony with the notes of your veena; instrumental tones do not exceed your vocal tones, and vocal tones do not surpass your veena tones; Panchasika, when did you compose this song?”
Surely the styles, melodies and lyrics of deities who are of extremely cheerful happy-go-lucky beings cannot be calming, soothing or spiritual but much more erotic even than our modern and emerging compositions of sounds, ideas, rhythms and themes; yet the Buddha, perhaps one of the earliest music critics of the world had a great regard for the worldly aspects of life. The above story gives an indication of the Buddha’s insights on Harmony, as well as his perception and patience. [Panchasika’s musical recital is described in detail in by Gurulugomi in his literary work, Amavatura.]


Source: The veena in Buddhist stories and Is disharmony allowed in Buddhism?
Summary of the key points are:

the notes of your playing are in harmony with the notes of the song
the notes of the song are in harmony with the notes of the veena
instrumental tones do not exceed your vocal tones vocal tones do not
surpass your veena tones

Perhaps reference can be found as part of the answer to the following question: What are the occasions did Panchasika or Pansilu meet the Buddha


Why sometimes it feels equal to meditation ...

I don't personally advocate music as a meditation pratice but as an alternative meditation pratice Richard Shankman teachers mindfulness of sound. But perhaps you can use a Gong instead of music as music may lead to attachment.


Alternative Meditation Practices
The breath is commonly taught as a universal meditation subject, suitable for everyone. But for some people the breath is not a good object to work with. I knew a man who had a choking incident as a child, and paying attention to his breathing brought up feelings of anxiety. Another person with asthma found that she became tense whenever she focused on the breath. If you are one for whom the breath does not work well, there is nothing wrong; this will not hinder your ability to meditate. It’s just a matter of finding the right practice in these early stages to substitute for breath meditation.
Here are some techniques you can try if you think mindfulness of breathing is not a good practice for you. These common alternatives are not the only methods that can substitute for mindful breathing, but the full range of possibilities is beyond our scope here.
Mindfulness of Sound
In the instructions for mindfulness of breathing we let all other experiences stay in the background of our awareness, not forcing or pushing them away but bringing a gentle sense of allowing them to be in the background while giving some preference or predominance to awareness of our breathing. In the same way, with this practice we allow other experiences to stay in the background and we give preference or predominance to the experience of sound. You may feel a natural draw or pull to awareness of hearing, and this practice can be very calming and settling. Those for whom mindfulness of sound works well commonly report it as an easily accessible and even compelling meditation object. You may be drawn to awareness of the sounds themselves or you may be more naturally aware of the act or the process of listening or hearing.
Mindfulness of sound entails working with either inner or outer sound. Even though it may be very quiet where you are meditating, you may feel drawn to rest your awareness in listening to however many or few sounds may be present at any time. Other people hear an inner sound, a clear perception of ringing or some other sound, experienced not through the ears but in the mind. You can see if you have such an experience and if you are drawn to rest in awareness of inner or outer sound.
If you are working with mental noting, you can mentally repeat hearing or sound if that helps keep you stay connected and centered with the auditory experience. If you practice mindfulness of sound, just substitute hearing every time I use the terms breath or breathing.


Source: Beginning Meditation Instructions: Excerpted from “The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation”

user11488: Buddha said follow at least 5 precepts.  I have heard Visaka who attained Sothapanna at age of 7, dancing, singing on the street one day when one of the temples festival.  she dresses well enjoyed her family life, had 30+ kids as a sottapanna.  My understanding is siging, dancing, listening music is enjoyable as much as if you are not too attached.(Dependent Origination)  

user8020: while most of people see that music is a fruit for the soul but actually it is another source of craving and attachment to ordain things , it should be emphasized that Buddhism as a way of truth it needs to break every attachment to the any earthly thing. For that reason meditation should be only practiced with things that allows you to turn inward and not still be attached to an outsider connection, I don’t know what the Buddha himself said about this subject but I think that what he would say ----------

user111: Music is not good as a meditation object as it arouses craving.
If you analyse the 40 meditation objects of Samatha, you can identify 3 kinds of objects: 
neutral objects, virtuous or holy objects and unattractive or repulsive objects. All carefully chosen to subdue certain defilements or achieve Jhanas. 

What did the Buddha say about music?

For monks:
There are, bhikkhus, these five drawbacks of reciting the Dhamma with a sustained melodic intonation. 
Which five? 

Oneself gets attached to that intonation
Others get attached to that intonation
Householders get angry:
'Those ascetics who are followers of the Sakyans' son sing in the
same way that we do!'
There is a break in concentration for those striving [to produce] musicality
And the upcoming generations imitate what they see.

For Lay people:
7th of the 8 precepts
Nacca-gita-vadita-visukkadassana mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
The 8 precepts are usually practiced on Poya days and when you stay in a meditation center

2442: <p>Do music help? Why sometimes it feels equal to meditation in terms of achieving bliss (may be for short span of period) Or music is just an another time wasting thing? Text with links and pictorials in your answer are the most welcome. All are welcome. Thanks</p>
 295: <blockquote>
  <p>What did the Buddha say about music?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>I am not sure what the exact Sutta is but perhaps which is one which is not yet translated into English. In this Panchasika or Pansilu is in love and composes a love song towards another Deva he has fallen in love with. Thinking who is the most intelligent person who can give an opinion on this is the Buddha he visits the Buddha vet his composition.</p>

<blockquote>
  <blockquote>
    <p>The scriptures record two instances of Panchasika or Pansilu, the musician of Tavatimsa heaven, visiting the Buddha: on one such occasion, standing outside the dwelling of the Buddha, and within a short distance to be audible to the enlightened one, Panchasika while playing his instrument named as Beluvapanda, sang his own composition which described the attractiveness of his sweetheart. A line from a verse in the lyrics he recited goes as follows...</p>
    
    <p>“When shall I be fortunate to experience the warmth of your smooth and sensual bosom…”</p>
    
    <p>After singing his favourite, Panchasika went before the Buddha who apparently was neither distressed/ disturbed nor enchanted by Panchasika’s obscene lyric; strangely, the Buddha commented about the high quality of his singing [it is not known, if he sang it in high pitched operatic or otherwise]. He specifically admired the <strong>synchronization between melody</strong>, <strong>vocal singing</strong> and the <strong>instrumental music</strong>! The Buddha said,</p>
    
    <p>“<strong>the notes of your playing are in harmony with the notes of the song</strong>; <strong>the notes of the song are in harmony with the notes of your veena</strong>; <strong>instrumental tones do not exceed your vocal tones</strong>, and <strong>vocal tones do not surpass your veena tones</strong>; Panchasika, when did you compose this song?”</p>
    
    <p>Surely the styles, melodies and lyrics of deities who are of extremely cheerful happy-go-lucky beings cannot be calming, soothing or spiritual but much more erotic even than our modern and emerging compositions of sounds, ideas, rhythms and themes; yet the Buddha, perhaps one of the earliest music critics of the world had a great regard for the worldly aspects of life. The above story gives an indication of the Buddha’s insights on Harmony, as well as his perception and patience. [Panchasika’s musical recital is described in detail in by Gurulugomi in his literary work, Amavatura.]</p>
  </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<p>Source: <a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&amp;page=article-details&amp;code_title=99568" rel="nofollow noreferrer">The veena in Buddhist stories</a> and <a href="http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/03/22/features/77155" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Is disharmony allowed in Buddhism?</a></p>

<p>Summary of the key points are:</p>

<ul>
<li>the notes of your playing are in harmony with the notes of the song</li>
<li>the notes of the song are in harmony with the notes of the veena</li>
<li>instrumental tones do not exceed your vocal tones vocal tones do not</li>
<li>surpass your veena tones</li>
</ul>

<p>Perhaps reference can be found as part of the answer to the following question: <a href="https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/14569">What are the occasions did Panchasika or Pansilu meet the Buddha</a></p>

<hr>

<blockquote>
  <p>Why sometimes it feels equal to meditation ...</p>
</blockquote>

<p>I don't personally advocate music as a meditation pratice but as an alternative meditation pratice <a href="http://richardshankman.org/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Richard Shankman</a> teachers mindfulness of sound. But perhaps you can use a Gong instead of music as music may lead to attachment.</p>

<blockquote>
  <blockquote>
    <p><strong>Alternative Meditation Practices</strong></p>
    
    <p>The breath is commonly taught as a universal meditation subject, suitable for everyone. But for some people the breath is not a good object to work with. I knew a man who had a choking incident as a child, and paying attention to his breathing brought up feelings of anxiety. Another person with asthma found that she became tense whenever she focused on the breath. If you are one for whom the breath does not work well, there is nothing wrong; this will not hinder your ability to meditate. It’s just a matter of finding the right practice in these early stages to substitute for breath meditation.</p>
    
    <p>Here are some techniques you can try if you think mindfulness of breathing is not a good practice for you. These common alternatives are not the only methods that can substitute for mindful breathing, but the full range of possibilities is beyond our scope here.</p>
    
    <p><strong>Mindfulness of Sound</strong></p>
    
    <p>In the instructions for mindfulness of breathing we let all other experiences stay in the background of our awareness, not forcing or pushing them away but bringing a gentle sense of allowing them to be in the background while giving some preference or predominance to awareness of our breathing. In the same way, with this practice we allow other experiences to stay in the background and we give preference or predominance to the experience of sound. You may feel a natural draw or pull to awareness of hearing, and this practice can be very calming and settling. Those for whom mindfulness of sound works well commonly report it as an easily accessible and even compelling meditation object. You may be drawn to awareness of the sounds themselves or you may be more naturally aware of the act or the process of listening or hearing.</p>
    
    <p>Mindfulness of sound entails working with either inner or outer sound. Even though it may be very quiet where you are meditating, you may feel drawn to rest your awareness in listening to however many or few sounds may be present at any time. Other people hear an inner sound, a clear perception of ringing or some other sound, experienced not through the ears but in the mind. You can see if you have such an experience and if you are drawn to rest in awareness of inner or outer sound.</p>
    
    <p>If you are working with mental noting, you can mentally repeat hearing or sound if that helps keep you stay connected and centered with the auditory experience. If you practice mindfulness of sound, just substitute hearing every time I use the terms breath or breathing.</p>
  </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<p>Source: <a href="http://richardshankman.org/meditation/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Beginning Meditation Instructions: Excerpted from “The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation”</a></p>
 11488: <p>Buddha said follow at least 5 precepts.  I have heard Visaka who attained Sothapanna at age of 7, dancing, singing on the street one day when one of the temples festival.  she dresses well enjoyed her family life, had 30+ kids as a sottapanna.  My understanding is siging, dancing, listening music is enjoyable as much as if you are not too attached.(Dependent Origination)  </p>
 8020: <p>while most of people see that music is a fruit for the soul but actually it is another source of craving and attachment to ordain things , it should be emphasized that Buddhism as a way of truth it needs to break every attachment to the any earthly thing. For that reason meditation should be only practiced with things that allows you to turn inward and not still be attached to an outsider connection, I don’t know what the Buddha himself said about this subject but I think that what he would say ----------</p>
 111: <p>Music is not good as a meditation object as it arouses craving.
If you analyse the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamma%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADh%C4%81na">40 meditation objects of Samatha</a>, you can identify 3 kinds of objects: 
neutral objects, virtuous or holy objects and unattractive or repulsive objects. All carefully chosen to subdue certain defilements or achieve Jhanas. </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>What did the Buddha say about music?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>For monks:</p>

<p><em>There are, bhikkhus, these five drawbacks of reciting the Dhamma with a sustained melodic intonation.</em> </p>

<p>Which five? </p>

<ol>
<li>Oneself gets attached to that intonation</li>
<li>Others get attached to that intonation</li>
<li><p>Householders get angry:
'Those ascetics who are followers of the Sakyans' son sing in the
same way that we do!'</p></li>
<li><p>There is a break in concentration for those striving [to produce] musicality</p></li>
<li>And the upcoming generations imitate what they see.</li>
</ol>

<p>For Lay people:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/atthasila.html">7th of the 8 precepts</a></p>

<p>Nacca-<strong>gita-vadita</strong>-visukkadassana mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, <strong>singing, music, going to see entertainments</strong>, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.</p>

<p>The 8 precepts are usually practiced on Poya days and when you stay in a meditation center</p>
