Friday, March 15, 2024

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Intoxication

 


TRICYCLE      COURSE CATALOG      SUPPORT      DONATE

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)

One of the dangers attached to addiction to intoxicants is loss of good name. (DN 31)
Reflection
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.

Daily Practice
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.

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.



Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.

© 2024 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: Sangha Is a Treasure

 

Support Tricycle with a donation »
Sangha Is a Treasure 

The sangha is the treasure of our greatest yearning, for it provides all of us with a sense of belonging as well as a safe haven; a foundation from which to grow and develop; a way to commit to excellence in practice; and above all, a connection to the heart of compassion.

Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin, “Our Common Thread”


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE


Talking ‘Tukdam’ with Documentary Filmmaker Donagh Coleman
Tricycle interviews Donagh Coleman
Ahead of the film’s screening at our upcoming 10-Day Buddhist Film Festival, Tricycle spoke with director Donagh Coleman about the movie’s inception, the valleys between Tibetan Buddhist belief and Western medicine, and the possibility of a sequel. 
Read more »