Friday, February 14, 2025

Via FB


 

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 liability to sickness. (DN 31)
Reflection
Ever practical and down-to-earth, the Buddha does not moralize about intoxication but points out its practical dangers. Intoxication is anything that evokes negligence, and negligence can mean anything that prevents you from seeing clearly. This is unhealthy, not just in the physical sense but also in mental and emotional ways. Becoming more sensitized to the various obstacles to our own diligence is a valuable practice.

Daily Practice
Find something you tend to get intoxicated by—it need not be alcohol or drugs, but can be ordinary things like coffee or sugar, the news or other media, or emotions like sadness, self-pity, or envy—and look more closely at your relationship to it. In what ways might the negligence and lack of clarity involved in that intoxication contribute to sickness, whether it be a physical sickness or a less tangible mental or emotional affliction?

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.

© 2025 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: The Power of Loving Yourself

 

Support Tricycle with a donation »
The Power of Loving Yourself

The Buddha once said that those who truly love themselves will never hurt others. He said that if we were to wander through the whole world, we wouldn’t find anyone dearer to us than ourselves.

Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, “Just Love Them”


CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE


The Lama and the Goat
By Khenpo Sodargye
The Nyingma master Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche transmitted teachings to all manner of sentient beings—even goats
Read more »

Via FB / Bsky


 

Via FB / Bsky