Are Buddhists allowed to drink alcohol?
Despite the great diversity of Buddhist traditions across various countries, Buddhism in general has restricted the consumption of alcohol since early times.
In this sutra, drinking liquor is a "minor" offense, but selling it is a major breach of the precepts. To drink liquor hurts only oneself, but selling (and, perhaps, distributing it for free) hurts others and is a violation of the Bodhisattva vows.
Many Buddhists follow a lacto-vegetarian diet, avoid alcohol and certain vegetables, and practice fasting from noon to sunrise the following day. That said, the diet is flexible, no matter if you're a lay follower of Buddhism or wish to practice only certain aspects of the religion.
Unlike Judaism and Christianity, Islam strictly forbids alcohol consumption.
Neopagan and Wiccan religions also allow for the use of alcohol for ritual purposes as well as for recreation.
The clear teaching of Buddhism is total abstinence from alcohol and drugs. However, like any religion, those who practice Buddhism are not immune from falling prey to substance abuse.
Specifically, all Buddhists live by five moral precepts, which prohibit: Killing living things. Taking what is not given. Sexual misconduct.
The large majority of monks feel that smoking is not an appropriate practice and that there should be a Buddhist law that recommends they do not smoke. Most monks, however, have little understanding of the specific detrimental effects smoking has on them, as well as the effects of second hand smoke.
To refrain from taking intoxicants is one of the primary vows that laypeople may take and that monastics have to uphold. One of the main reasons for not becoming intoxicated is that this can—and often does— lead to breaking other vows or straying from one's integrity.
The precepts are commitments to abstain from killing living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. Within the Buddhist doctrine, they are meant to develop mind and character to make progress on the path to enlightenment.
Can a Buddhist monk drink?
Admittedly, the five precepts that lay Buddhists agree to follow say that one should refrain from drinking alcohol and it is also one of the basic rules that novices and fully ordained monks are responsible for following.
The large majority of monks feel that smoking is not an appropriate practice and that there should be a Buddhist law that recommends they do not smoke. Most monks, however, have little understanding of the specific detrimental effects smoking has on them, as well as the effects of second hand smoke.
