Consuming alcohol

[Tin_Sandwich]

Hi,

I gave up drinking for five years and only started again last Christmas. I have never been a heavy drinker, a couple of pints at the most and I've had enough. Is it better to avoid alcohol altogether while practicing on the Buddhist path. I would not be adversed to stop consuming alcohol if this would be more benificial to my practice. Please share your thoughts on this.

Gassho

[Jishin]

You don't have to worry if the bite of a snake is poisonous if you don't pick up the snake.

Gassho, Jishin

[Troy]

You don't have to worry if the bite of a snake is poisonous if you don't pick up the snake.

Gassho, Jishin

Love that quote!

[Daiyo]

You don't have to worry if the bite of a snake is poisonous if you don't pick up the snake.

Nicely said. Gassho.

[Jika]

Gassho,
Danny

[Joyo]

You don't have to worry if the bite of a snake is poisonous if you don't pick up the snake.

Gassho, Jishin

Nice!!! I think it's again, like eating meat, a personal choice. But I'd agree with Jishin, for me personally, I don't touch the stuff. Just not my thing

Gassho,
Joyo

[Ishin]

For me the issue is avoidance of intoxication. In moderation ok. If even in moderation, you cause problems then stop.
Gassho
C

[Byokan]

Hi All,

I'll have a cocktail once in a while or a little wine with dinner. Never been a problem for me. I have seen many lives absolutely ruined by alchohol, though. The issue of intoxication is an interesting one, not sure if you want to go into it on this thread, but intoxication takes many forms.

Gassho
Lisa

[Seimyo]

We are not in a practice of deprivation, but of moderation.

While intoxication isn't recommended, the occasional pint or two isn't likely to send your practice into a tailspin (unless of course you have a pre-existing relationship with addiction). Just take note of when you feel altered and limit yourself.

Gassho
Seimyo

[Nengyo]

Hi,

I gave up drinking for five years and only started again last Christmas. I have never been a heavy drinker, a couple of pints at the most and I've had enough. Is it better to avoid alcohol altogether while practicing on the Buddhist path. I would not be adversed to stop consuming alcohol if this would be more benificial to my practice. Please share your thoughts on this.

Gassho

I would say just follow the middle way. I try not to get caught up in excesses, but of course only you can find your middle way. Maybe it is a drink or two every night, drinking with friends occasionally, or never drinking. I still drink alcohol occasionally and eat meat. I try to do so in the most ecologically sound way possible and without causing others too much harm.

Gassho,
Nengyo

[Kyotai]

Hello,

I love a beer every now and again. Sometimes (rarely) I have more then a few. For me, once and a while works for me.

Gassho, Shawn

[Kyonin]

You don't have to worry if the bite of a snake is poisonous if you don't pick up the snake.

Gassho, Jishin

This has to be one of the most smartest quotes ever. It speaks my mind.

Thank you.

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Yugen]

Consuming alcohol

I'm a vegetarian and teetotaler who enjoys the occasional steak and pint of stout.

Deep bows
Yugen

[Mp]

You don't have to worry if the bite of a snake is poisonous if you don't pick up the snake.

Gassho, Jishin

Wow! Can't top that ... =)

Gassho
Shingen

P.S. I am a vegan and don't drink, but that is a personal choice. =)

[Nengyo]

You don't have to worry if the bite of a snake is poisonous if you don't pick up the snake.

Gassho, Jishin

Some of us can't imagine a life without picking up snakes! (literal and metaphorical)

I'm a vegetarian and teetotaler who enjoys the occasional steak and pint of stout.

Deep bows
Yugen