Thanks for sharing, Alan, very enlightening video. Question: regarding the refraining from violence precept, do you think it’s possible to be a police officer, prison guard, or military person and still be a (householder) Buddhist? I’ve heard there are practicing Buddhists who are frontline cops and soldiers and I was wondering how that would work?
Good question Mike. Traditionally, he referred to alcohol, but that has since progressed by Buddhist teachers/Buddhism into anything that has an intoxicating/stimulating nature to the body and mind. Why? Because we are trying to tame and transform our mind, not chemically modify it (which is temporary - beyond any other chemically induced changes they may have). But this also needs to be taken into context. Let's say you have a glass of wine at dinner, and with your history and body tolerance, there is not much effect on you. Whereas with someone else, they would be getting "tipsy". Thich Nhat Hanh implored us to dig deeper even if we can "handle" the stimulant/intoxicant. He said that while you may be able to handle alcohol (for instance), the seeds of alcoholism might be in your child and they see you drinking and that waters that seed. He was helping us see the interconnected nature of things in that scenario. But, at a very basic level, it all must be taken into context. If you just had major surgery, then yes - I can't imagine most human beings willing to withstand the initial pain from surgery without medication to dull the pain (which is important with healing itself). But, on a more religious note, it doesn't help us with achieving enlightenment because it also may dull the mind so we can't transform it, be mindful, etc. (but that ALSO has to be taken into context that we have to take care of this immediate concern - recovering from surgery). So, I gave you a lot to digest here but I would say don't overthink or stress on this one if you are not drinking heavily, having a mind influenced by it, etc. Ideally, you skip it...you are on a "mission" as a Buddhist, and this is just one thing that (even if subtly) is giving the illusion of calming, enjoyment, etc. But, as lay Buddhists, we are not at the monastic level where it would otherwise be completely forbidden in any context.
I like your voice. i could listen to this and go to sleep.
I needed this video for motivation in taking the precects.
I always had misconceptions of them.
This helped me out a lot.
Stay safe and well
That's wonderful to hear! Let me know how our experience was when you take the precepts.
Thank you for teaching us
Hello 🙌🙏, Greeting you From Myanmar ... hope u are well and safe and
Thank U so much for sharing this !!!
Nice to hear from you Sanjay!
I would love to see a video dedicated to the 8 precepts and uposatha observance.
Great suggestion! I’ll add it to my list.
Very nice video Alan. I enjoyed the whole video.
I appreciate that, Mike. Let me know if you have any suggestions
Thanks for sharing, Alan, very enlightening video. Question: regarding the refraining from violence precept, do you think it’s possible to be a police officer, prison guard, or military person and still be a (householder) Buddhist? I’ve heard there are practicing Buddhists who are frontline cops and soldiers and I was wondering how that would work?
Hi John, they sure can. The only perhaps more firm exception is for monastics. alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-soldier-military/
🙏🙏🙏🪷🪷🪷
How do the Buddhist teachings address having no intoxicants? Does that mean all even wine? Or does it just mean getting intoxicated?
Good question Mike. Traditionally, he referred to alcohol, but that has since progressed by Buddhist teachers/Buddhism into anything that has an intoxicating/stimulating nature to the body and mind. Why? Because we are trying to tame and transform our mind, not chemically modify it (which is temporary - beyond any other chemically induced changes they may have). But this also needs to be taken into context. Let's say you have a glass of wine at dinner, and with your history and body tolerance, there is not much effect on you. Whereas with someone else, they would be getting "tipsy". Thich Nhat Hanh implored us to dig deeper even if we can "handle" the stimulant/intoxicant. He said that while you may be able to handle alcohol (for instance), the seeds of alcoholism might be in your child and they see you drinking and that waters that seed. He was helping us see the interconnected nature of things in that scenario. But, at a very basic level, it all must be taken into context. If you just had major surgery, then yes - I can't imagine most human beings willing to withstand the initial pain from surgery without medication to dull the pain (which is important with healing itself). But, on a more religious note, it doesn't help us with achieving enlightenment because it also may dull the mind so we can't transform it, be mindful, etc. (but that ALSO has to be taken into context that we have to take care of this immediate concern - recovering from surgery). So, I gave you a lot to digest here but I would say don't overthink or stress on this one if you are not drinking heavily, having a mind influenced by it, etc. Ideally, you skip it...you are on a "mission" as a Buddhist, and this is just one thing that (even if subtly) is giving the illusion of calming, enjoyment, etc. But, as lay Buddhists, we are not at the monastic level where it would otherwise be completely forbidden in any context.
Thank you so much for explaining the Precepts so kindly and beautifully 🙏
You are very welcome 🙏