Hangover / Precepts

[Enjaku]

I had a nice experience this morning and I'd Iike to share it. It has to do with the precepts and their role in day-to-day decision making.

I recently softened my approach to intoxication. I felt I was becoming too rigid, so I switched from no alcohol at all to the occasional beer or glass of wine. My decision was that the occasional beer is okay, provided I don't become intoxicated to the extent it would affect my judgement.

Last night I had a date... we were both pretty nervous, so we had a few drinks. It was a wonderful evening but I woke up with a hangover and I felt guilty... Is it okay to be hungover while wearing a rakusu? Are there no limits to my hypocrisy? Basically, I felt like a fraud - not a proper Buddhist.

Then I reflected on the precepts. Rather than giving myself a hard time, I felt grateful for the opportunity to reflect on my behaviour in the context of my intentions, to protect life, to live with honesty and integrity, to cultivate compassion.

So, I plan to tone it down and maybe mix in a few coffees next time, just to ensure I don't lose my head. I'd really hate to spoil an evening or become unpleasant company. At the same time, there's no reason to punish myself or make a big deal about it. I'll just smile and keep learning.

It made me realise how grateful I am for the precepts and for this path generally. The precepts feel like an opportunity to check in with myself from time to time, making gentle adjustments where necessary.

I wonder if others would like to share their reflections on the role of the Bodhisattva Precepts in day-to-day decision making?

Gassho (with a headache),
Enjaku
Sat LAH

[Ugrok]

Hi !

I always understood precepts as having nothing to do with guilt. Their message is not "if you do this, you are a bad person" ; it's "if you do this, you will suffer more, so, make your choice". You made your choice, you suffered through the hangover, as the precepts predict... No need to add another punishment to that !

Gassho,

Uggy

Sat Today

[Jishin]

Hangover / Precepts

Hi,

Was suffering increased or decreased overall (which includes you) by your actions? If decreased, do it again and again! If no then stop! [emoji4]

My 2 cents.

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

[Jundo]

Most Japanese tend to be "all things in healthful moderation" Buddhists. That does not stop even Roshis from sometimes going to excess once in awhile, but generally "all things in healthful moderation" makes for good dates and good mornings.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

[Mp]

Hello Enjaku,

I don't drink so cannot say in this context, however my personal feeling is this ... was it your intention? Sometimes things in life just happen and unfold in the way it unfolds, no guilt is needed. If an opportunity is there to learn, be open to that opportunity and its teaching. Not everything we do is a mistake, even though we may make mistakes.

The precepts and their boundaries are different for each of us, so each of us need to find that boundary. If you feel that you stepped over that boundary, then just accept that you are human and try your best to not do that again in the future. We do not know the boundaries to the precepts without life ... life gives us the opportunity to learn and grow. =)

I also remember this from Jundo ... there is no way to break the precept, yet don't break the precepts.

Gassho
Shingen

SatToday/LAH

[aprapti]

guild is a dead end, Enjaku. it will no bring you anywhere.

i like the citation from Jundo ... there is no way to break the precept, yet don't break the precepts.


aprapti
std

[Enjaku]

Thanks for your responses. It sounds like we're on a similar page with this. I guess I was more curious about whether others have had similar experiences, of becoming less self-critical and more self-curious... this has been a big shift for me and I feel like the precepts (and the Zen attitude towards them) is really helping.

Gassho,
Enjaku
Sat LAH

[Amelia]

I rarely have the desire to drink, and as a result, I am a lightweight. Therefore, the risk of a hangover is great! If it happens, it happens. No need to feel guilty. I am a "moderation Buddhist" as well.

Gassho, sat today, lah

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[Rich]

My grandfather like Jundo said everything in moderation is ok. He lived a healthy peaceful life to 93 . Red wine with the evening meal was traditional. Don't give up your centered awareness.

SAT today

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[Jundo]

Let me add, however, that a small amount may be "healthful moderation" to many or most, but even a drop may be sheer poison to an alcoholic. That same rule of thumb applies to many things which may become an addiction or harmful in life.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

[Zenmei]

Hangover / Precepts

Let me add, however, that a small amount may be "healthful moderation" to many or most, but even a drop may be sheer poison to an alcoholic. That same rule of thumb applies to many things which may become an addiction or harmful in life.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

It's poison to anybody, really. Human bodies are not designed to metabolize alcohol. The claims that small amounts might have health benefits have not stood up to scrutiny, and even small amounts can cause lasting damage.

http://www.newsweek.com/alcohol-moderate-drinking-brain-damage-622062

I'm real fun at parties.

Gassho, Zenmei
#sat/lah

[Risho]

yeah thats true; recent studies have brought to question any health benefits from wine; even moderate drinking may cause brain issues. I do like drinking but I admit I dont like how I feel afterward even after a couple of beers

gassho

risho
-st

[Jundo]

http://www.newsweek.com/alcohol-moderate-drinking-brain-damage-622062l

Perhaps you were drinking when you posted the link?

PAGE NOT FOUND
Sorry, but that page cannot be found.

[Zenmei]

Perhaps you were drinking when you posted the link?

Or maybe I'm living proof that drinking causes brain damage

Link should be fixed now.

Gassho, Zenmei
#sat

[Jika]

Before we focus on drinking (where I have strong opinions too), does anyone have similar observations regarding other precepts?

I thought Enjaku was asking about general decision making.

I had similar thoughts about lying:
While Jundo uses the dress example to say white lies are ok, I was wondering how many lies I tell to please people.
Tell them I like their new hair style while I actually don't care.
Tell someone, oh, no problem, while it actually is one.

Regarding hair cuts or other matters of taste, I've decided to go more towards the "I'm happy you are pleased with it" way.
Not the same as saying "Oh, it's lovely! You look stunning.", I know.

Regarding "no problem", I'm still in the state of... curiosity, Enjaku would say.
Sometimes I think pushing myself to help others out should not be a problem, and I feel guilty (Buddhist fraud) for even thinking so.
Then I see it can be compassionate towards myself (meaning: staying healthy) to sometimes say no.
To admit to others (and oneself!) that this additional task would be too much, and refuse politely.

Gassho,
Jika
#sattoday