Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices: do not take intoxicants that cloud the mind.

The idea

The fifth of the Five Moral Precepts instructs Buddhists to abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind, such as alcohol and recreational drugs. This precept is crucial because intoxication leads to a loss of mindfulness (sati) and awareness, which are fundamental for meditation and spiritual progress. When the mind is clouded, individuals are more likely to act unskilfully and break the other four precepts, generating negative kamma. For instance, a Buddhist might avoid drinking alcohol at a social event to maintain mental clarity and ensure their actions remain compassionate and deliberate, thereby supporting their journey towards enlightenment and reducing suffering.

What earns the marks

• Identifies the statement as the fifth of the Five Moral Precepts.
• Explains that intoxicants include alcohol, recreational drugs, and anything that diminishes mindfulness.
• Highlights the link between intoxication and the breaking of the other four precepts due to lowered inhibitions.
• Connects the avoidance of intoxicants to the cultivation of mindfulness (sati) and successful meditation practice.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Stating that Buddhists are strictly forbidden from taking any drugs.

  Put it right: Buddhists can take prescribed medication for health reasons; the precept specifically targets recreational intoxicants that cloud the mind.

• Claiming that drinking alcohol is a sin that angers the Buddha.

  Put it right: Buddhism does not have a concept of sin against a creator; taking intoxicants is an unskilful action that generates negative kamma.

• Treating the precept as an absolute commandment.

  Put it right: The precepts are voluntary training rules that Buddhists undertake to aid their spiritual development.

Exam tips

• Emphasise the word 'mindfulness' (sati) when explaining why this precept is so important for Buddhist meditation.
• Explain the 'domino effect': how breaking the fifth precept often leads to breaking the first four, such as committing violence or lying while drunk.
• Contrast the strict adherence of monks, who avoid all alcohol, with lay Buddhists, who may interpret the precept as avoiding intoxication rather than total abstinence.