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 weakening of the intellect. (DN 31)
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Right living
means understanding the things that cause us harm and directing our
lives away from these things toward those that bring out our best and
contribute to our well-being. Just as certain foods strengthen the body
and others weaken it, so too certain things strengthen the mind and
others weaken it. Negligence, for example, weakens the mind, while its
opposite, diligence, strengthens it. Understanding this is important.
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See if you can
identify the toxins in your life that weaken the mind, and then work
toward reducing their influence. Many things can be toxic and
intoxicating, including substances, activities, relationships, views,
and emotional habits. Take an honest inventory of what you intuitively
know to be harmful and helpful, and take steps to abandon the things
that are toxic and cultivate those that are wholesome.
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Tomorrow: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings
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Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
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