Buddhism by Joan Duncan Oliver

Author:Joan Duncan Oliver
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

A clear mind is essential for progressing along the Buddhist path. Alcohol and drugs can cloud our thinking and compromise our ability to concentrate. For this reason, many Buddhist practitioners strictly observe this precept and don’t drink or take drugs. A Middle Way view would be to opt for moderation. Even the use of prescription drugs should be examined, in light of the current epidemic of opioid addiction.

The Buddha spoke of “heedlessness” caused by intoxicant use leading to “moral recklessness.” Bhikkhu Bodhi reminds us that being under the influence can make us lose control and possibly violate the other four precepts. In Going for Refuge & Taking the Precepts, he tells us that following this precept can prevent “the misfortunes that result from the use of intoxicants: loss of wealth, quarrels and crimes, bodily disease, loss of reputation, shameless conduct, negligence, and madness.” That’s enough to make anyone rethink those pot brownies.

During periods of intense practice, such as meditation retreats, practitioners in the Theravada and Tibetan traditions may abstain from sex altogether and follow three additional precepts: not eating after midday; not sleeping on a high or comfortable bed; and not wearing perfume or jewelry or indulging in dancing, singing, or listening to music.

Novice monks in the Theravada tradition take an additional two vows. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, novices adhere to as many as thirty-six precepts.

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