Viveka Sutta [English, set to music]
Channel: tobydarling
Date: 23/02/2014

Here is another one of the Buddhist Suttas, which I have set to music using the translation from Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

My local monastery is called CittaViveka (secluded mind), so it was an appropriate choice.

I got the text from www.accesstoinsight.org. Since it is protected by copyright I will of course remove it on request. 

Viveka Sutta: Seclusion
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1999
I have heard that on one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a forest thicket. Now at that time, as he had gone to spend the day [in the thicket], he was thinking unskillful thoughts, connected with the household life.
Then the devata inhabiting the forest thicket, feeling sympathy for the monk, desiring his benefit, desiring to bring him to his senses, approached him and addressed him with this verse:

Viveka Sutta
Riff: Cmaj7 Dadd4add6  (x3200x  x5400x) x2 Fmaj7 Em

"Desiring seclusion
you've entered the forest,
and yet your mind
goes running outside.
You, a person:
subdue your desire for people.
Then you'll be happy,  free
  from passion.

Eb Bb
Dispel discontent,
Cm D7
be mindful.
Gm Bb
Let me remind you
Cm D7
of that which is good —
G 
for the dust
Bb
of the regions below
Eb F
is hard to transcend.
Gm 
Don't let the dust
Bb
of the sensual
Cm D7
pull you down.

Instr

Cm Gm
As a bird spattered with dirt
Dm7 Gm
sheds the adhering dust with a shake,
Bb Cm
so a monk energetic & mindful 
D7
sheds the adhering dust."
The monk, chastened by the devata, came to his senses.


 "Viveka Sutta: Seclusion" (SN 9.1), translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. Access to Insight (Legacy Edition), 30 November 2013,http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn09/sn09.001.than.html .