In some ways, the physicality of it resembles some martial arts clubs, which also allow controlled aggression to be expelled. But in other ways, the safe space of like-minded people could bear more than a passing resemblance to a sangha, especially in the west where Buddhism is practiced by a minority.

 

By Rob Argent

To those who don’t go to gigs playing the heavier side of guitar music, firstly—why not, and secondly—maybe the mosh pit is a thing of mystery to you.

A sweaty, angry, sometimes topless, mystery. And like riding a bike, algebra, or that film Inception, that’s okay; it all makes sense when you know a little about it, and maybe then it won’t be as intimidating. Well, maybe algebra is still confusing, even when you know it, but that’s not my point right now.

Far from a place where people go to aggressively shove strangers to a mutually agreed soundtrack, over the years, it’s actually become a safe space where like-minded individuals can freely express themselves in ways that are not always acceptable in a public setting, helping them to release any pent-up emotion. This is starting a little too much like my maths class from school, come to think of it…

In some ways, the physicality of it resembles some martial arts clubs, which also allow controlled aggression to be expelled.

But in other ways, the safe space of like-minded people could bear more than a passing resemblance to a sangha, especially in the west where Buddhism is practiced by a minority. Punk, metal, hardcore, etc. are fairly niche musical genres too (except that one time that Tool knocked Taylor Swift off the top of the record charts for one week; that was a glorious time). There’s a wisdom in finding what we need, so joining in a group activity to celebrate the music we love while releasing our own inhibitions and concerns safely, makes sense.

But to counter this, there has to be compassion—or karuna to use the traditional term. This is a fundamental part of the journey to enlightenment. It calls for us to create a deep-seated desire for the wellbeing of all, and a freedom from suffering without discrimination or prejudice. In doing this, we become more than just ourselves and instead embrace our connection to all other living beings, which I’m pretty sure is a Tool lyric.

So how does this sense of connection apply to a heaving mass of denim wearing bodies that are colliding into each other to the sound of, say, the Deftones (other bands are available)?

Let me know explain. There are several key ingredients of Buddhist compassion that can be found “in the pit.”

The first is active empathy; simply thinking nice thoughts isn’t enough I’m afraid. The general rule of mosh etiquette, and that must be the first time anyone has ever used that term but yes it is a thing, is that if someone hits the floor then you help them back up. Standing back and wincing in sympathy won’t cut it here pal, so give them a hand and make sure they’re okay!

The next is the sense of interconnectedness that creates a feeling of kindred spirits amongst us; our shared love of a musical act has brought us to this time and place, which shows us just how many different elements had to come together for us to be in the same room. I know, I doubt Thich Nhat Hanh was thinking of doomgaze music (ask your local library for further info) when he first coined the term interbeing, but think of all of the many different things that it takes just to create an electric guitar, let alone bringing a band and their songs into reality? The miracle of metal, if you will.

The last ingredient I want to touch on is the boundless quality of compassion: ideally our metta, or loving kindness, should extend to any and everyone.

We won’t know many of the people around us in the crowd, so can we truly see them with kind eyes and an open heart? If we don’t know who we’re pushing, or who is pushing us, then we need to be really honest with ourselves and not be upset by this. Look, taking a good shoulder barge doesn’t exactly feel great and you’ll remember your first one (Kerrang K Fest, Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall, November 2001 in case your wondering) but maybe your fellow gig-goer really needed to that out of their system.

Taking one for the team could definitely by the modern remix of the Boddhisattva vow, and here it is in action, with a live musical accompaniment and lots of people joining in too!

Our sense of conviction, and our awareness of being able to bring joy and peace to others, can take many forms including in the midst of a live music event. I’m pretty sure you won’t hear a thrash song with the lyrics “may I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be at peace” anytime soon, but the feeling is there if you look for it.

But if you do find that song, let me know the band’s Bandcamp page!

 

Photo: Pixabay

Editor: Dana Gornall

 

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