| Precepts
Precepts VII : To Refrain from Intoxication
For the coming days, we’ll be focusing on the fifth precept, that of refraining from intoxication, worded in different ways by different traditions and teachers.
Our study material for this week includes essays by Ned Reiter and Thich Nhat Hanh, our usual commentary by Nishijima Roshi and a video recording of a Roshi Joan Halifax Dharma talk. Remember that each of these commentators approach this Precept from their own perspective.
Jundo Roshi comments, on his own experience: “For purposes of disclosure, I drink a glass or two of red wine almost every day with dinner. I believe that very moderate drinking is healthful and harmless in my life. As well, a bit of alcohol at times of celebration is a very common sight at Japanese Buddhist temples (I have shared Sake toasts & Karaoke with the Head Monk of the Soto-shu at a New Years Party). Monks in China and Japan have also always had a close relationship to tea and caffeine (in moderation!). At most Sesshin I have attended in Japan or the West, tea and sometimes coffee (in moderation!) are always somewhere around.
(On the other hand, should one be a recovering alcoholic, then merely a sip of alcohol is pure poison. Even some noted Zen & other Buddhist Priests have struggled with alcoholism, which seems to be a physical disease beyond psychological causes. Nor should anyone drink and drive!!)
As well, one should avoid mixing intoxicants or any mind altering substances with sitting Zazen. Zazen is complete, without need for additions.”
Please go through the assigned material and then discuss if you’re so inspired
ASSIGNED READINGS:
Intoxication and the Precepts by Ned Reiter
This Dharma Talk by Joan Halifax Roshi on “Nourishing the Ego: The Precept of Not Taking Intoxicants” (there are closed captions if hard to hear):
Jundo Roshi recalls: “My teacher, Nishijima Roshi, wrote this. He did not drink at all. When I was translating his book, and he was reviewing it line by line, we discussed whether I could put in a sentence that “a glass of red wine may by good for the health and harmless”. He asked me to remove it.” NIshijima Roshi comments the following:
Sekishin: Can you explain about the precept ‘Do not live by selling intoxicating liquors?’ It seems very literal. (JUNDO NOTE: A literal translation of the Precept can be “do not live by selling intoxicating liquors”)
Gudo: Well, literally, it means not to take as one’s profession the sale of alcohol. But, in its wider meaning, it might be said to mean ‘Do not abuse intoxicants,’ and for us to exercise proper care of body and mind in such way. Ours is a path of moderation, and of health and good balance in body and mind.
However, it should be remembered that our practice is founded upon the belief that all we need, all to be found, is to be found within this very mind and being ‘as we are.’ Our path is Zazen meditation. Therefore, we do not encourage the use of substances such as alcohol, illegal drugs and the like to alter the brain for purposes of seeking what we seek ….. We need nothing more for our purposes than seated Zen meditation. In Zazen, we sit in the Real, in the ‘here and now.’ All we need is right before us.
Our ceremony words this:
V. To seek as you can, in this body and life, to refrain from intoxication in its many forms.
Okay, time for sober reflection!