Shambhala SunSpace offers up The Smoking Monk:
The fifth precept of Buddhism tells us to “refrain from taking intoxicants.” This seems pretty clear. However, a decade ago, if we asked the monks in Cambodia whether Buddhist should smoke, many of them would have excused it. Now those numbers are starting to decline.
The vow I took at my Jukai read,”refrain from abusing intoxicants.” Is there a difference? Is the vow broken if I, or anyone else, smokes an occasional cigar? Drinks the occasional beer, wine, or cocktail?
Interesting questions although there seems so much release comes from letting our lives embody unattached moderation and celebration as we move in the world.
Michael McAlister on Dialogs With My Teacher #40
bpsmith on Dialogs With My Teacher #40
Charla on We're Almost Full
bradleypaulsmith on Dialogs With My Teacher #39
