I was able to find a wonderful thread started by Kyonin here: Violence in Entertainment
It was very helpful, but I have a sort of followup question that aligns with developing more sensitivity to violent media. This might be super obvious and is clearly subjective (ie what is considered violent media might vary from person to person). Even so, I would be interested in opinions if anyone has the time and feels inclined to share
My question(s): In thinking on the eightfold path, specifically Right Thought, would consuming violent media be advised against? Put another way, as a Buddhist, is violent media something that should be abstained from?
For me, I am specifically thinking on violent music and film. Like Kyonin mentions in the thread he started, after around 6-7 months of practice I too find that there are certain media preferences, especially music, that are shifting for me. Much of the violent music I once listened to on a regular basis just isn't appealing anymore. I'm also noticing that types of shows and films I once watched are a struggle at times when they have gratuitous violence.
But still, my interest hasn't completely dropped off on these things. I don't want to write a book here, but one strong example is music. I still listen to some stuff that elicits an aggressive emotion/energy. Such material almost always contains violent lyrics and imagery (black metal and certain industrial artists for example). I enjoy it during a workout, while driving, or making art... but I feel like the aggressive/negative feelings I get from listening to it works against the ideal of Right Thought.
Maybe as time goes my interest in such things will continue to wane. I guess the main reason I am curious is that I wonder if keeping such media in my life (which is all part of the practice -- not just zen on the zafu, but in all things; all of life) is counterproductive to the practice.
Thank you for reading!
Gassho,
Ryan S
Sat Today
It was very helpful, but I have a sort of followup question that aligns with developing more sensitivity to violent media. This might be super obvious and is clearly subjective (ie what is considered violent media might vary from person to person). Even so, I would be interested in opinions if anyone has the time and feels inclined to share
My question(s): In thinking on the eightfold path, specifically Right Thought, would consuming violent media be advised against? Put another way, as a Buddhist, is violent media something that should be abstained from?
For me, I am specifically thinking on violent music and film. Like Kyonin mentions in the thread he started, after around 6-7 months of practice I too find that there are certain media preferences, especially music, that are shifting for me. Much of the violent music I once listened to on a regular basis just isn't appealing anymore. I'm also noticing that types of shows and films I once watched are a struggle at times when they have gratuitous violence.
But still, my interest hasn't completely dropped off on these things. I don't want to write a book here, but one strong example is music. I still listen to some stuff that elicits an aggressive emotion/energy. Such material almost always contains violent lyrics and imagery (black metal and certain industrial artists for example). I enjoy it during a workout, while driving, or making art... but I feel like the aggressive/negative feelings I get from listening to it works against the ideal of Right Thought.
Maybe as time goes my interest in such things will continue to wane. I guess the main reason I am curious is that I wonder if keeping such media in my life (which is all part of the practice -- not just zen on the zafu, but in all things; all of life) is counterproductive to the practice.
Thank you for reading!
Gassho,
Ryan S
Sat Today
Obviously, the subconscious is a powerful thing and of course what we consume, whether physical or intellectual food has an effect on us.
However, speaking of certain content being advised against by someone else whose criteria might be different than yours opens the door for a very cult-like behavior. While we definitely have guidelines for behavior coming from the Buddha, masters, etc it all meant to help us keep the precepts and walk the Buddha way. But ULTIMATELY, the Middle Way is very different for each person and what is too much for one might be just enough for another and what might be a challenge or a stumbling block for one person might be nothing for another.
My point here is that the issue should not be so much whether something is advised against or not, but rather if we make wise choices on our own. I think it is much more important for an individual to act “right” based on their own compassion, empathy, wisdom, impulses and choices than for them to do so out of a sense of obligation to something external.
In my case for example I find little to no entertainment in certain types of violent content.. I stay away from horror movies after a certain time of the day as I know they make me uneasy at night and I have no need to torture myself. I never use obscene language EVER, not in public, not with friends, just cause I think it sets a bad example and tarnishes the image of what a zen practitioner should be for others and also because I am perfectly capable of expressing any emotion, feeling or idea using a language that doesn’t make anyone uncomfortable and is not offensive. Rather than doing it because I was told to, I’ve ended up here as a result of the practice and I do think that is ultimately the goal.
SatToday lah
Comment