Do buddhists use narcotics and/or alcohol and/or tobacco as part of their

[AleaS]

religious practice? What is their view of crystal meth, crack, cocaine, peyote pot, heroin, etc? Is it part of their enlightenment to use any sort of narcotics, alcohol, or tobacco?

I'm asking because I know a young person who is into alcohol and drugs. But he is also interested in Buddhism and wants to attend a Buddhist college in Colorado, USA.

Will they discourage or encourage his substance abuse?
Would also appreciate it if you all could answer this question also.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApAg98psfTluuh_Bh09FvKPsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20120303104719AAiW9dg

 

[sati]

Hello Alea S,

A strict devout Buddhist practitioner most likely adheres to certain mindfulness trainings, commonly called precepts. The five basic precepts include avoiding:

1. Killing
2. Stealing
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying and false speech
5. Alcohol and other intoxicants

Thich Nhat Hanh, a famous Buddhist monk, phrases the fifth training thus:

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I will practice looking deeply into how I consume the Four Kinds of Nutriments, namely edible foods, sense impressions, volition, and consciousness. I am determined not to gamble, or to use alcohol, drugs, or any other products which contain toxins, such as certain websites, electronic games, TV programs, films, magazines, books, and conversations. I will practice coming back to the present moment to be in touch with the refreshing, healing and nourishing elements in me and around me, not letting regrets and sorrow drag me back into the past nor letting anxieties, fear, or craving pull me out of the present moment. I am determined not to try to cover up loneliness, anxiety, or other suffering by losing myself in consumption. I will contemplate interbeing and consume in a way that preserves peace, joy, and well-being in my body and consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family, my society and the Earth.

I'm assuming the college you are referring to is Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. It is not inclusively a Buddhist university. It is Buddhist inspired. Like many college students, some students at Naropa party, drink, smoke, and do drugs. What sets them apart however is that they are engaging in contemplative education, a meditative and introspective approach to learning.