If you are a habitual marijuana smoker and trying to find a way to justify continued use while you embrace a spiritual path like buddhism—perhaps take some time to reflect on the Buddhas teachings regarding desire and craving and be really honest with yourself about what kind of karma you are creating. I know it is hard though. I also know that those in denial of an addiction will not be convinced until they are really ready to address it. I know, I have been there.

These herbs certaily calm the mind, rest the spirit.The ital herb allows a meditative practice whose results are perhaps deeper than ordinary meditative practice (perhaps great practioners may achieve). In India, the view of ‘drug’s’ and ”’intoxicants has been informed by Western legal definitions. Drug definitions are culturally relative; and pre-colonial India had a different list.
Sikhs have strict view of intoxicants like Buddhist (but allow the drinking of Marijuana on a religious event.)Bihar and Nepal region have some of the most meditative herbs. When Buddha and Buddhist mentioned intoxicants, can we say the definition was timeless and universal?

I don’t feel qualified enough to venture into the Dhamma surrounding the negative aspects of “everything in moderation,” but I’m sure I’ve heard a sermon by Ajahn Brahmavamso or perhaps the Bhavana Society that touches on the notion (If you don’t live in Australia, you can watch and/or hear Ajahn Brahm’s sermons via youtube and podcast. The Bhavana Society can be found via podcast).

Remember: it’s not the result, but how we arrive at it. We’ll harbor no regret by investigating and acting out of kindness and compassion; promoting community, happiness, and health for ourselves and others.

Happy eating!

I don’t have a link to a copy of these latest studies, but a search in Academic Search Complete or Lexus Nexus should return the desired information.

Here’s my idea about this. Caffeine speeds mind up, alcohol slows it down. They both interfere. I don’t believe it is possible to be constantly mindful by taking these drugs which affect the mind. This seems very logical to me.

It is my experience that, even in small doses, it hinders my efforts, in a subtle way, to obtain a clear view of reality. I have got rid of both drugs. I sometimes have the desire for them, but then I can use this as part of my practice. It is beneficial to me.

Jonathan

I know of no evidence that shows that drinking leads to drug use. That wasn’t what I meant at all.

As far as the Burke lecture. While he may be right, he is merely putting forth a conjecture (“perhaps”) based on no known research (They “may” be richer. They may even be fatter, blonder, shorter, taller, who knows). The studies on the efficacy of wine include populations in rural France and stretch back for years before better healthcare was available. The benefits of moderate doses of wine for heart health are, thus far, incontrovertible. Thanks.

As to my 2 cents worth on this – I agree with Kimbely, it’s about the Third Way – whatever that is and while I agree that personally you cannot go wrong with abstinence. This is not necessarily true in social situations were refusal to imbibe may cause hurtful or offence in the same way as refusing food or gifts.

It is not for me to judge what is right or wrong, it is for me to avoid doing harm and if this means having a glass of wine or beer so be it.

From other Buddhist lectures on this topic I’ve taken away the impression that this percept addresses exactly your worry: gateway drugs that start you on the slippery slop and the idea is perhaps “don’t even lead me into temptation”.

Most things we do have some kind of “drug effect” on us – our body produces its own opiate derivative: endorphins – they can be released through a variety of things, exercise, sex, food … so my understanding of the percept is to avoid headlessness and realise that to stay on the middle way we need to know what our boundaries are.

T

Although, as you and I both said, you cannot go wrong with abstinence. If someone can consistently limit themselves to one glass a day (or some other non-intoxicating quantity), then that’s fine. In my own opinion, it’s still a “gateway drug” for most people, but if you really have kind of control, then it’s not my place to say you can’t have your evening wine.

As you point out, it’s all too easy to get locked into a “fundamentalist” mode of thinking, where everything has a black or white answer. Feel free to point this out whenever you catch me doing it in the future!

I don’t know the answer to the alcohol and drug question. They both have caused considerable devastation and suffering in my own family. I personally feel abstinence is the best policy. That said, I don’t practice abstinence with perfection. For the most part, I don’t use alcohol and I never use illegal drugs. I felt compelled to join this discussion because it seems this precept is being presented as a “commandment.” What happens if someone “violates” it? Is it a “sin?” Do they get kicked out of the club? Are they not a “real” Buddhist?

In my mind, I feel the desire to follow the path does not mean one will not wander from one side of it to another, or will never set foot off of it here and there. We are human and this is why I believe the Buddha reminds us to follow the middle path.

My attraction to Buddhism is exactly its SEEMING lack of fundamentalism. (I haven’t been exposed to it enough to know any different, yet.) I like the “use your head” basis for practice. If is it true to you after thinking on it from all angles, it is true. If having a glass of wine with dinner causes you and your family no suffering, it is not for me or anyone else to say whether or not you should have it. Not even the Buddha.

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

~Buddha

Here is the link to Burke’s lecture: http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=6,6875,0,0,1,0