RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Intoxication
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Intoxication is unhealthy.
Refraining from intoxication is healthy. (MN 9) What are the
imperfections that defile the mind? Negligence is an imperfection that
defiles the mind. Knowing that negligence is an imperfection that
defiles the mind, a person abandons it. (MN 7) One practices thus:
"Others may become negligent by intoxication, but I will abstain from
the negligence of intoxication." (MN 8)
One of the dangers attached to addiction to intoxicants is loss of good name. (DN 31)
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Negligence can
seem harmless enough in some minor cases, but often it has serious
consequences. When we are not paying adequate attention, people can get
hurt. The opposite of negligence—diligence or attentiveness—is a
cardinal Buddhist virtue. This is partly because of the care for life
that we have seen expressed in many places. Committing to abstain from
intoxication is a gift of harmlessness we give to others.
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On the
practical side, this text is pointing out the loss of reputation that so
often accompanies any kind of addiction or habitual intoxication. A
person who has a compulsive habit simply cannot be trusted and will
usually demonstrate this in potentially harmful ways. If you are
generally attentive, acknowledge that your friends and family trust you,
and take pride in your good reputation. It’s okay to do so.
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Tomorrow: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings
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