Numbered Discourses 5.209

21. With Kimbila

The Sound of Singing

“Bhikkhus, there are these five drawbacks in reciting with a drawn-out singing voice. What five? You relish the sound of your own voice. Others relish the sound of your voice. Householders complain: ‘These ascetics, followers of the Sakyan, sing just like us!’ When you’re enjoying the melody, your samādhi breaks up. Those who come after follow your example. These are the five drawbacks in reciting with a drawn-out singing voice.”