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) Gain and loss are two of the eight worldly conditions. 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 conditions of gain and loss are the first pair of the eight “worldly winds” described in the texts, and they constitute the Buddhist equivalent of the phrase “You win some and you lose some.” The idea is that some things are inevitable in life, and the appropriate strategy in such cases is not to hope for them not to happen but rather to adjust yourself to them in a way that is skillful and conducive to overall well-being. Daily Practice Notice how natural it is to feel good when you gain something you value and to feel bad when you experience loss. Notice also how, in such circumstances, you allow yourself to be buffeted by the worldly winds of gain and loss. See if instead you can remain firm, grounded in equanimity rather than in favoring or opposing what happens. This is one way to remain clearheaded when facing intoxicating conditions.  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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