Question asked by Sabina G.
Dear Pastors, I have a question on the fifth precept about alcohol. I have broken this precept, I had a beer and did not get drunk, it's a small amount but still I had one beer. Now my questions are: Is the vow lost from the root and must be taken again at another Refuge ceremony, or can it be purified? If the vow is lost from the root, should I still try to keep it?
I admit that it is very hard to be social, make friends, socialize,… and always avoid alcohol. I am not trying to justify alcohol abuse, but many times I wished I had not taken this precept but only the first four. I always used to drink with moderation and with meals. It is very hard for someone my age to always keep the fifth precept purely. Can the fifth precept be given back without creating heavy karma? I mean can I decide to abandon the fifth precept? I would Never quit Refuge and never quit Bodhisattva vows. I only have a problem with that one, at Refuge ceremony I had to know better and only take the first four, like some other people did.
Thanks!
Dear Sabina G,
The fifth precept is refraining from taking alcohol and other intoxicants. When a vow is broken, you can take the refuge vows again. You can also do purification practice. I think your problem is not being able to overcome your attachment to alcohol. You have to analyse your priorities. Do you want to be stuck for the rest of your life or do you want to diligently cultivate precepts, concentration and wisdom? How can you keep the Bodhisattva vows if you can’t keep the five precepts? If you wish to be a good Buddhist, start by observing the five precepts which will help you to overcome attachment or greed. Through the fifth precept we develop mindfulness and abstain from unwholesome mental excitement.