Buddhists...drinking beer considered breaking the one precept laid by Buddha?

Answer 1

Yes its against a precept.

BUT... It's important to break rules sometimes, especially our own. Our rules should not own us. Live.

The Buddhism that I know is definitely NOT about following rules. If you follow precepts in a religious manner, you will only be a puppet of the real thing.

As far as drinking goes. You know when your doing it to much. You shouldn't rely on a book or any other outside scoure to tell you.

Answer 2

For the most part, yes, although it is slightly interpretive. (Like any religious statement)

One interpretation, as is always the case, is the strict, unyielding interpretation that basically says that any intoxicant, no matter how little or of what type, is a violation of the 5th Śīla (precept) That would include, beer, wine, tobacco, coffee, chocolate, any caffeinated tea, caffeinated sodas, etc...

Another interpretation is, anything is okay so long as it does not lead to loss of mindfulness. So if a bear makes you even a little tipsy, buzzed, disoriented or cause you to loose even the slightest amount of mindfulness, then you should not drink bear. So for those that use this interpretation, a glass of wine now and again is okay, just as is coffee, tea and soda.

One interesting note however is that the precepts are not the Buddhist equivalent of the 10 commandments. The do not read, "thou shalt not..." as is the case for the Judeo-Christian conventions, but rather guidelines for training to improve ones life, alleviate problems and troubles and help ones Buddhist practice. (Meditation, chanting, living...)

Although, if one were to become a monk or nun, then the precepts become vows that have consequences. Still, depending on the order, drinking a bear from time to time, although frown upon by most, would be considered a minor offence, so long as you were not drunk.

The 5th precept is not saying that there is anything wrong with alcoholic beverages, it is stating that intoxicants (such as alcohol) lead us away from the truth by causing our minds to linger in lies of the intoxicant. (in other words, getting drunk serves no purpose except to take our mind away from the centered mindfulness that we seek in our practice, so why do it.)

In Zen we talk about "Buddha Mind" or the "Unborn Mind" and our practice is geared towards reuniting with that original mind. Intoxicants cloud out thoughts and take us further from our goal, so why do it? It is like the car enthusiast who wants to make his car a show peace. Why would he then enter it into a demolition derby? (This may be an exaggeration, but I am sure you understand what I am getting at hear.)

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Getting drunk is against the precept. Having a beer is a different thing, unless drinking a beer is enough to get you drunk.
The precept is against altering your mind - not enjoying a refreshing beverage on a hot afternoon or with your favorite spicy food.

Answer 4

I try my best not to be intoxicated by liquor,spirits and drugs that cause heedlessness.
That is how I interpret the fifth precept;therefore,I see no harm in having a beer or two unless it causes the above mentioned problems!
Happy drinking!

Answer 5

The fifth precept: To refrain from intoxication from drugs or drink.