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Alcohol, Drugs and Buddhism

  • 20-07-2011 7:55pm
    #1
    QueenHenrietta
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭


    Hello there.

    I'm going to start with a bit of background.
    I have realised recently how important spirituality is to a person. In my life I am not too concerned with money or possessions. I know the true valuable things in life are people, friends, family, partners. I live to love and be loved, well I try to anyway.

    Since I was about 15 or 16 I've always been fascinated with Buddhism. I love that it is a means of spirituality, without having to worship one true god. I don't believe in God but I do believe that we are all connected as one and there are greater powers at work in the universe. I believe when we die, we go back to the earth and live on forever as part of nature.

    Anyway onto my question.
    I have searched these boards and many other sites, and there seems to be a lot of contradictory information floating around. I want to start practicing Buddhism, however I like to drink alcohol and I like to smoke cannabis.
    I agree with all of the beliefs of Buddhism and 4 out of 5 of the precepts. If I don't follow the 5th precept does that not make me a Buddhist or does it make me a bad Buddhist?

    I'd love to hear any information or opinions you can give to me


Comments

  • #2
    18AD
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,821 ✭✭✭18AD


    Forget the label buddhist.


  • #3
    QueenHenrietta
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭QueenHenrietta


    Honestly, that has completely cleared things up for me.

    Thank you for the nice simple, straightforward answer :)


  • #4
    Lab_Mouse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,219 ✭✭✭Lab_Mouse


    from what i can gather taking drugs/alcohol isnt in and of itself not allowwed its just that it makes you unskillfull and mindfullness is hard to maintain after 8 pints and and a bucket of super skunk!!:D

    Im open to correction on above as I,ve read a bit but never recieved proper instruction as such


  • #5
    Emiko
    Closed Accounts Posts: 449 ✭✭Emiko


    The Fifth Precept... “I undertake the training rule to abstain from intoxicants causing heedlessness”.

    Do you consider cannabis to cause you to be heedless?

    'Everything in moderation, including moderation' as a Zen buddhist once said.


  • #6
    QueenHenrietta
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭QueenHenrietta


    Thanks all for your insight. I really appreciate it.
    I don't consider cannabis to cause me to be heedless


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  • #7
    meryem
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 271 ✭✭meryem


    If you want to follow the path or religion of Buddhism consider yourself on first or second level of journey on achieving the goal of being true Buddhist. When you will start to practice the disciplines and practices followed Buddhism more religiously you will find your urge for drinking and intoxicating decreasing day by day on its own-self.

    Thereafter enjoy your freedom from all of the worldly attractions/things that has nothing to do with your blissful life.


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