Do buddists drink, and smoke, it is quite ignorant of me not to know in this day and age. If someone can help I would be very grateful,
2006-11-20 00:29:39 · 6 answers · asked by wylie8462000 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
some do
2006-11-20 00:31:41 · answer #1 · answered by george p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Key to all this is the fifth precept: "I undertake to abstain from intoxicating drugs or drink". This is really simple and to the point. The Buddha sees alcoholic drinks as something to be avoided and for a variety of reasons, both social and spiritual.
He says that drinking is a waste of money, there is a increased risk of quarreling, it can lead to sickness, loss of reputation, indecent exposure, it is not conducive to developing wisdom and it also affects memory adversely.
Of course, drinking alcohol in small quantities does not tend to result in the kind of behavior described above. Within the diverse Buddhist community today, there are two main perspectives on the right or wrong of drinking. The first is that complete abstinence should be maintained. The second is that drinking in moderation is acceptable and that it is down to the individual to measure this for themselves.
While the 5th precept doesn't address smoking specifically it would apply since it is an addicting habit. Buddhists are just like any religious people anywhere though. They aspire to a set of rules and each does their best but acknowledges that they are human. I read somewhere that about 25% of Buddhist monks in Thailand smoke.
2006-11-20 00:36:32 · answer #2 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is not a religion. It is a way of living where you take responsibility for your own actions and live your life by right actions. Smoking and drinking alcohol clouds the senses and doesn't allow a person to take full responsibility for their own minds. In saying that, it is indeed, possible for a Buddhist to smoke or drink because there are no set "rules". If a Buddhist is following the path, or right action, there will be a natural inclination to stop these behaviours as the person becomes closer to a higher state an awareness of their surroundings. A Buddhist has no one to condemn them but themselves.
Also, one can be a Christian or whatever religion and still be a "Buddhist" by following the principles of right action and mindful actions. It is not the act of drinking or smoking that is the problem it is the why or the mindset behind the action. Buddhists believe we create our realities in our minds and therefore what we create will be true for us. It is NOT a guilt based religion. I recommend reading about it.
2006-11-20 00:43:59 · answer #3 · answered by KD 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
According to Buddhist precepts, one should refrain from intoxicants, ( except for medication) so that would include alcohol and smoking. having said that, Most Buddhists I know enjoy drinking in moderation, and there are very few who still smoke. In general I would say that they drink and smoke less than you average Joe.
2006-11-20 01:25:26 · answer #4 · answered by Eso_ uk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very few Buddhists do, and if so in moderation as it is not advised in the precepts. They also tend to be vegetarians and lead a rather chaste and measured way of life. They spend a great deal of time on meditation and avoid excesses of any kind.
2006-11-20 00:42:40 · answer #5 · answered by WISE OWL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you HAVE to have a religion, it is the best,
2006-11-20 00:32:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋