Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Intoxication

 

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RIGHT LIVING Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Intoxication 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) There are these two worldly conditions: praise and blame. These are conditions that people meet—impermanent, transient, and subject to change. A mindful, wise person knows them and sees that they are subject to change. Desirable conditions do not excite one’s mind nor is one resentful of undesirable conditions. (AN 8.6)

Reflection The “worldly winds,” you will recall, are those conditions that are inevitably found in the world, things it is useless to object to or resist, and the best course is to learn how to adapt and live with them. Praise and blame are among these inevitable worldly conditions. No matter what you do, there are times you will be praised, justifiably or not, and there are times you will be blamed, justifiably or not. It is best to accept this. Daily Practice One thing that helps in dealing with praise and blame is not to take things personally. Having yourself be the focus of everything can be seen as a kind of intoxication, distorting your perception of things as they actually are. Remind yourself that conditions are transient, that peoples’ opinions are subject to change, and that they may not praise or blame you with any real understanding of who you are or what you had in mind. Tomorrow: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States One week from today: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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