Buddhism is an ancient religion and philosophy that originated in India around 500 BCE. The central figure of Buddhism is Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who achieved enlightenment through meditation. Buddhism teaches that ending suffering and attaining enlightenment, or nirvana, is possible through following the Noble Eightfold Path. This path encourages right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. With over 500 million followers worldwide, Buddhism has spread throughout Asia and across the globe. Within Buddhism, there are different traditions and practices, but all emphasize ethics, wisdom, and mental cultivation. One question that arises is whether the use of intoxicating substances like drugs and alcohol is acceptable for Buddhists. There are varying perspectives on this issue.
Buddhist Precepts on Intoxication
In Theravada Buddhism, which is dominant in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, there are five precepts that all lay followers are encouraged to uphold. The fifth precept specifically advises abstaining from intoxicants that cloud the mind. The exact wording can vary, but commonly it states:
“I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented drink that causes heedlessness.”
The precept is to refrain from intoxication and the loss of mindfulness. However, the precept does not ban substances absolutely, but rather their misuse. The intention is to keep a clear, tranquil mind that supports wisdom and compassion. So in the Theravada tradition, any drug use that intoxicates you and damages clarity of mind would go against the fifth precept. Drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs to excess is discouraged.
Mindfulness and Sobriety in Mahayana Buddhism
In Mahayana Buddhism, which is prominent in East Asia, the Brahmajala Sutra contains a more extensive list of precepts for bodhisattvas. These build on the basic precepts and emphasize additional virtues to perfect. The fifth precept in the Brahmajala Sutra states:
“A disciple of the Buddha must not take intoxicants, for he knows that intoxication causes loss of mindfulness and moral shame.”
So again, the point is avoiding heedlessness and nurturing mindfulness. Drugs that negatively impact awareness or moral conduct would not be skillful. Practices like meditation require inner clarity, so intoxication is an obstacle. However, drugs taken medicinally for health under a doctor’s supervision may be acceptable in some circumstances.
Vajrayana Buddhism and Sacred Plants
In Vajrayana Buddhism, mainly found in Tibet, the precepts allow for some flexibility at higher levels of practice. There are advanced tantric rituals that may involve sacramental use of substances. Some Vajrayana texts refer to the “five ambrosias” which include alcohol. Traditional sacraments also exist based on plants like cannabis. The aim is spiritual insight, not recreational intoxication. So in this tradition, some controlled ritual plant use is seen as compatible with the precepts for realized practitioners, but monks still generally maintain abstinence.
Application of the Precepts
Ultimately, the precepts are training guidelines rather than commandments. Buddhism recognizes that people have different capabilities based on their level of spiritual development. The precepts are meant as a framework to evaluate actions – are they harmful or beneficial, do they cloud the mind or support awareness? So while intoxicants are broadly discouraged, the specifics depend on the situation according to some teachers. The key is mindful introspection and avoiding addiction or risky behaviors. If drug use interferes with responsibility, health, or clarity, then it clearly violates the spirit of the precepts. Mature practice requires sobriety, but Buddhism allows room for individual progress over time. The precepts represent ideals to aspire towards, not rigid laws.
Perspectives of Buddhist Teachers
Here are some perspectives from prominent Buddhist teachers:
Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama has said recreational drug use is “unwise” and violates the precepts, leading to laziness and mental imbalance. However, he allows that certain medicinal use with a doctor’s advice may be permitted. Overall though he discourages drug use unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh also discourages drug use as it reduces mindfulness. But he says even if someone uses drugs, they should still try to be mindful and mature in that situation. The aim is harm reduction until the person is able to abandon the drugs completely.
Robert Thurman
Scholar Robert Thurman argues that intoxicants cloud self-awareness and damage health, so they contradict core Buddhist values. However, he acknowledges the Vajrayana tradition of sacramental plant use in supervised rituals. So some responsible use may be acceptable in those limited contexts, though not for everyday life.
| Teacher | View on Drugs |
|---|---|
| Dalai Lama | Discourages recreational drugs, allows some medicinal use |
| Thich Nhat Hanh | Discourages but urges mindfulness even if using |
| Robert Thurman | Discourages generally but allows ritual plant use in Vajrayana |
So most teachers adopt a fairly conservative stance, recognizing that intoxicants can impair the mindfulness and ethics central to Buddhism. But there is some openness to medicinal use or sacramental use in specific traditions. The emphasis is on supporting mental clarity and avoiding harm.
Case Studies
To illustrate how these Buddhist principles might apply, here are some hypothetical case studies:
Pham
Pham enjoys drinking beer socially with his friends on weekends. Sometimes he drinks to excess. Pham could evaluate whether this drinking pattern clouds his mind, disrupts his work and relationships, or aligns with Buddhist ethics. If it is causing problems, mindfulness would encourage moderating or abstaining from drinking. But an occasional drink with awareness may be acceptable.
Maya
Maya has a prescription for medical marijuana to help with chronic pain. She takes it according to her doctor’s instructions. Using cannabis medicinally for pain relief could be allowable in Buddhism if it is truly necessary and not abused. maya can still practice mindfulness even under its influence.
Tashi
Tashi is training to be an ordained monk in Tibet. His teacher offers him some ritual sacramental wine during an advanced tantric ceremony. Partaking mindfully in this specialized ritual setting follows the Vajrayana tradition and his teacher’s guidance. But he still avoids intoxication in his daily life.
So the context matters – medicinal use may be permitted, and sacramental use has precedent in some traditions. But recreational intoxication goes against the Buddhist precepts due to the risk of heedlessness. The aim is harm reduction and supporting mental clarity over indulgence in all settings.
Conclusion
The Buddhist precepts universally advise against intoxication and clouding the mind with drugs or alcohol. Any substance use that leads to addiction, misconduct, or negligence would be considered unskillful. However, some medicinal use may be allowed, and there are ritual plant sacraments in Vajrayana. Teachers generally discourage recreational drug use but recognize individual progress may take time. The emphasis is on cultivating mindfulness and wisdom, which requires awareness not obscured by intoxication. Buddhism seeks to reduce suffering through moral conduct and mental development. While drug use is not completely excluded, it should be avoided when it conflicts with ethical precepts and mental balance as encouraged on the Buddhist path. With insight and maturity, Buddhists aspire to maintain sobriety and presence of mind.