Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Buddhist ethical conduct including the Five Precepts (Pañcasikkhāpada), and Eightfold Ethical Conduct (Aṭṭhasīla).
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Jason
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Jason »

Paññāsikhara wrote:In the Vinaya (not exactly the pancasila, but the best thing we have as far as details go) there are a large number of precepts that have exceptions in the case of illness, eg. keeping of various medicines, etc. Several Vinayas have explicit exceptions to the use of alcohol where it is a medicine for a sick bhikkhu, but not for one who is not sick.

eg. "As for alcohol cooked in oil, this refers to a medicine used in the Buddha's time for afflictions of the "wind element." The Mahāvagga (VI.14.1) allows this medicine for use only as long as the taste, color, and smell of the alcohol are not perceptible." - Thanissaro
So according to precedents set in the Vinaya, a glass of wine for your heart is probably out, but an opiate for pain is OK?
"Sabbe dhamma nalam abhinivesaya" (AN 7.58).

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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Jason »

Ben wrote:Hi Jason, Venerable and all,
Paññāsikhara wrote:In the Vinaya (not exactly the pancasila, but the best thing we have as far as details go) there are a large number of precepts that have exceptions in the case of illness, eg. keeping of various medicines, etc. Without checking the Pali, several other Vinayas have explicit exceptions to the use of alcohol where it is a medicine for a sick bhikkhu, but not for one who is not sick.
Venerable summed it up best here, I think. I think you (we) need to use our common sense and be guided by the Vinaya and the commentaries and act accordingly. I also recall a private discussion I had with Ajahn Dhammanando on the subject of medicines with intoxicating effects and his reasoning (with support from the Vinaya and other texts) was that taking those substances for the intention of its medical benefit was not in breach of the precepts.


I'm not really worried about it myself, just curious as to what other people think about it from a more technical standpoint.
By the by, I was actually interested to read not so long ago that an analysis of the studies which supported a glass of red wine for heart health, were found to have methodological errors which invalidated the findings.
That's interesting. I've recently read studies suggesting that alcohol may have affects which can offset the benefits to your heart, but nothing suggesting that those studies were invalidated. For example, the National Institute of Health's website states that there's "some evidence that people who drink moderately may be less likely to develop heart disease than those who do not drink at all," and that alcohol may "raise the good kind of cholesterol," but notes that alcohol has also been linked to things like cancer, high blood pressure, raised triglycerides, liver disease, etc. Do you think you could find that study again (if it's online, that is)?
Last edited by Jason on Sat Oct 16, 2010 7:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Sabbe dhamma nalam abhinivesaya" (AN 7.58).

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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Paññāsikhara »

Jason wrote:
Paññāsikhara wrote:In the Vinaya (not exactly the pancasila, but the best thing we have as far as details go) there are a large number of precepts that have exceptions in the case of illness, eg. keeping of various medicines, etc. Several Vinayas have explicit exceptions to the use of alcohol where it is a medicine for a sick bhikkhu, but not for one who is not sick.

eg. "As for alcohol cooked in oil, this refers to a medicine used in the Buddha's time for afflictions of the "wind element." The Mahāvagga (VI.14.1) allows this medicine for use only as long as the taste, color, and smell of the alcohol are not perceptible." - Thanissaro
So according to precedents set in the Vinaya, a glass of wine for your heart is probably out, but an opiate for pain is OK?
Depends on how one reads it. One could also read it as saying that where alcohol is part of a medicine, it is okay. The specific example given is what was done at that time. A case of the spirit but not the letter. Some of the other Vinayas do not necessarily state that it cannot have the flavor / taste of alcohol (may be a particular Theravadin take on it).

If one's pain is so bad that one needs an opiate, that is some pretty serious pain. The sort whereby if one doesn't take a painkiller, they can't think straight. I'm not sure if comparing this to drinking for the heart is that spot on. If their heart condition is so bad that they need medication or they are in 24/7 heart trouble, probably a glass of wine isn't the right medication, either.

At risk of going off track, I heard that a lot of the idea of "a glass of wine is good for the heart" was recently debunked. Someone found that it was more about socio-economic situations, not the wine itself. Those who had the habit of regularly drinking red wine tended to be more affluent, and thus had better lifestyles as a whole. Once the red wine factor was figured into the study, and made socio-economic peer studies, they found that those who refrained from drinking still had the better health. (Maybe it's like arguing that driving a Porsche is good for you, because Porsche drivers tended to be happier. Of course, anyone who has enough money to buy a Carrera 4 should find that they probably don't need to worry about a lot of things that the average person has to deal with!)

My guess would be that regular meditation would probably also be very good for one's heart!!
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Sylvester »

Paññāsikhara wrote:In the Vinaya (not exactly the pancasila, but the best thing we have as far as details go) there are a large number of precepts that have exceptions in the case of illness, eg. keeping of various medicines, etc. Several Vinayas have explicit exceptions to the use of alcohol where it is a medicine for a sick bhikkhu, but not for one who is not sick.

eg. "As for alcohol cooked in oil, this refers to a medicine used in the Buddha's time for afflictions of the "wind element." The Mahāvagga (VI.14.1) allows this medicine for use only as long as the taste, color, and smell of the alcohol are not perceptible." - Thanissaro

Hmm, how sick does one need to be in order to qualify for this allowance? I think up until the mid-80s, MDs in the States were prescribing MDMA/Ecstasy at low doses for couples as part of "marriage therapy", whatever that meant. So, might such a loss of kamacchanda towards one's spouse count as an illness? :quote:

Where's that old ad in GQ promoting loss of consortium as a disease treatable by MDMA? :rofl:
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Paññāsikhara »

Sylvester wrote:
Paññāsikhara wrote:In the Vinaya (not exactly the pancasila, but the best thing we have as far as details go) there are a large number of precepts that have exceptions in the case of illness, eg. keeping of various medicines, etc. Several Vinayas have explicit exceptions to the use of alcohol where it is a medicine for a sick bhikkhu, but not for one who is not sick.

eg. "As for alcohol cooked in oil, this refers to a medicine used in the Buddha's time for afflictions of the "wind element." The Mahāvagga (VI.14.1) allows this medicine for use only as long as the taste, color, and smell of the alcohol are not perceptible." - Thanissaro

Hmm, how sick does one need to be in order to qualify for this allowance? I think up until the mid-80s, MDs in the States were prescribing MDMA/Ecstasy at low doses for couples as part of "marriage therapy", whatever that meant. So, might such a loss of kamacchanda towards one's spouse count as an illness? :quote:

Where's that old ad in GQ promoting loss of consortium as a disease treatable by MDMA? :rofl:
Loss of kamacchanda sounds like great progression on the path to liberation! :tongue:
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

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A suffering to end suffering. :woohoo:
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by mettafuture »

Jason wrote:Personally, I don't think that slipping up and indulging in a pint with your mates or girlfriend every once in a while necessarily makes you a hypocrite as much as, well, human. But if I'm wrong about that, then I'm just as much of a hypocrite as Sanghamitta. I occasionally go out and have a pint or two with my mates, even the 'Buddhist' ones. I even killed some ants that invaded my house and were laying siege to my refrigerator after I was unable to get rid of them within the confines of the first precept. I certainly felt terrible about it, but sometimes we're forced to make difficult decisions like that, and I made an 'unenlightened' decision to keep my food safe and my home ant-free.
Well, at least you tried. I probably would have done the same thing. When it comes to mosquitoes, for example, I always try to brush or blow them away first. But nothing is forcing you to drink alcohol.

Regarding intoxicating medicines: Volitional actions drive our kamma. When someone is taking medicine, their intention is to get well, not intoxicated. But when someone is out drinking with their mates, the intention is typically different. Again, in those circumstances, you don't HAVE to drink.

The precepts aren't commandments. You can choose to accept them, deny them, or blow them off. But if you choose to undertake them, why would you want to openly break them if you didn't have to?
Jason wrote:
Ben wrote:Hi Jason,
Jason wrote:That's was my initial understanding as well, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe the fifth precept is stricter than that, i.e., it doesn't say, "I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness unless my doctor says it's OK." For example, what if I were to drink a glass of red wine because my doctor says it's good for my heart?
I wouldn't drink it. I would ask him for a non-alcoholic alternative. Garlic is good for your heart too.
Jason wrote:That's interesting. I've recently read studies suggesting that alcohol may have affects which can offset the benefits to your heart, but nothing suggesting that those studies were invalidated. For example, the National Institute of Health's website states that there's "some evidence that people who drink moderately may be less likely to develop heart disease than those who do not drink at all," and that alcohol may "raise the good kind of cholesterol," but notes that alcohol has also been linked to things like cancer, high blood pressure, raised triglycerides, liver disease, etc. Do you think you could find that study again (if it's online, that is)?
Alcohol ain't the only thing that can improve your health. Lol.

http://www.nativeremedies.com/articles/ ... sease.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are a LOT of medically proven natural remedies available.

So why not try them?
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Sanghamitta »

Another thread that has ended up chasing its own tail, round and round.

I am assuming that most people who read this forum are chronological adults able to exercise their own judgement,
Which is exactly what I am advocating that people should do re the fifth precept.
It is clearly a topic which arouses strong feeling and in some cases causes a e lapse into judgemental thinking and even a kind of of bullying tone. Some of the responses in my view breach right speech in their intemperance, Which is ironic when they are advocating temperance. Frankly I am getting pretty sick of logging on to Dhamma Wheel and finding some po-faced person telling someone else that they are not a Buddhist or are a second class Buddhist because they do such or dont believe such. Its like a bunch of Jesuits have taken over.
I have had nearly 40 years to think about these matters since I first took the precepts and I have reached a settled view. I frankly dont care much if anyone takes a different view.
I would suggest though before leaving the dog to chase its own tail that those who feel that they have a Buddha given right to judge others should examine their own motives. You worry me far more than those who have the occasional drink. I would guess that some of you have had bad experiences with alcohol yourselves or with those close to you.
Whatever the reason I suggest that you look to yourselves rather than pontificate to others,
Apart from anything else pontification is always counter productive.
Something that I have deliberately not mentioned because I didn't want to influence the debate by subjectivity is that I have not drunk alcohol for those 40 years. But I know far better and more conscientious Buddhists than me who do have the occasionally drink . There is a naive and childish view found on this forum that drinking a glass of wine will invariably intoxicate and lead to craving. Well it doesn't and it doesn't,,, not necessarily. There is an individual physiological response to alcohol just as there is to all we eat and drink.
Part of being a functioning adult is knowing what will effect us as individuals in terms of mindfulness.
Not telling others how they will or should react. I think a great deal of growing up is needed by the western Buddhist community in a number of areas. This and sexuality are two of them.
The going for refuge is the door of entrance to the teachings of the Buddha.

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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by mikenz66 »

Sanghamitta wrote: I think a great deal of growing up is needed by the western Buddhist community in a number of areas. ...
Sure, but if you're so sure of your views why complain about others expressing theirs, and why not actually address what they said?

For example, I said that in my view the fifth precept is actually rather easy to keep compared to the others (unless you have a physical dependency). Your post seems to agree with that, so I don't really see why you find this discussion so distasteful.

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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Sanghamitta »

I dont find the discussion distasteful per se Mike. I am more than happy to read the views of others concerning why they think a teetotal view is the only logical way for them.
What irks me the notion that those who take a different view need lecturing and putting right.
Its the hectoring tone. The need to correct. The puritanical need to question the values of others that i find distasteful.
I agree that the Fifth precept is the easiest to keep. precisely because it doesn't deal in absolutes ( and that is a view shared by many of the more experienced Buddhists )and allows for mature reflection.
What irks me is the same as what irks me on the Rebirth threads.

I accept literal post mortem Rebirth, but see it reduced by some to an acme. A criterion that allows some members to decide that other members are not in the club.
In the same way I do not drink but I refuse to stand by when not drinking becomes another means of judging the sheep from the goats and to feel smug and superior. And smugness and superiority drips from some of the replies.
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Ben »

Hi Jason

I eventually found it:
The Heart Foundation does not recommend the following.
1. Consuming milk or dark chocolate for the prevention or treatment of CVD. Due to
processing to remove the bitter taste, most chocolate is a poor source of antioxidants,
and contains saturated and trans fats.
2. Drinking coffee for the prevention or treatment of CVD. If consuming coffee, drink only
paper-filtered, percolated, café-style (espresso) or instant (regular and decaffeinated), in
preference to boiled (such as Turkish-style) or plunger coffee. Consume less than five
cups per day.§
3. Drinking red wine or other types of alcoholic drinks for the prevention or treatment of
CVD.
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteC ... _FINAL.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Which is located in this document library:
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Profe ... fault.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The media release (May 2010): http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteC ... %20May.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And reported here (where I originally encountered it): http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/wellbei ... -uwev.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
kind regards

Ben
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road

Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725

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Ben
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Ben »

Hi Valerie,
Sanghamitta wrote:And smugness and superiority drips from some of the replies.
With respect, I don't see that on this thread.
kind regards

Ben
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road

Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725

Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global ReliefUNHCR

e: [email protected]..
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Paññāsikhara »

Ben wrote:Hi Jason

I eventually found it:
The Heart Foundation does not recommend the following.
1. Consuming milk or dark chocolate for the prevention or treatment of CVD. Due to
processing to remove the bitter taste, most chocolate is a poor source of antioxidants,
and contains saturated and trans fats.
2. Drinking coffee for the prevention or treatment of CVD. If consuming coffee, drink only
paper-filtered, percolated, café-style (espresso) or instant (regular and decaffeinated), in
preference to boiled (such as Turkish-style) or plunger coffee. Consume less than five
cups per day.§
3. Drinking red wine or other types of alcoholic drinks for the prevention or treatment of
CVD.
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteC ... _FINAL.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Which is located in this document library:
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Profe ... fault.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The media release (May 2010): http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteC ... %20May.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And reported here (where I originally encountered it): http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/wellbei ... -uwev.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
kind regards

Ben
Cheers, Ben. Some of the content here may just appear in one of my classes next week!
My recently moved Blog, containing some of my writings on the Buddha Dhamma, as well as a number of translations from classical Buddhist texts and modern authors, liturgy, etc.: Huifeng's Prajnacara Blog.
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Paññāsikhara »

Sylvester wrote:A suffering to end suffering. :woohoo:
Poor Sylvester! :group:
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Re: Can a Buddhist drink alcohol in moderation?

Post by Ben »

Paññāsikhara wrote:Cheers, Ben. Some of the content here may just appear in one of my classes next week!
It was a pleasure to be of assistance, Venerable!
:namaste:
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road

Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725

Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global ReliefUNHCR

e: [email protected]..
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