Realizing the Evils of Drinks

Realizing the Evils of Drinking


Drinking means to be addicted to beer, wine, brandy, whisky and liquid substance of intoxication. Habit, whether good or bad, in the basis of character. A man is regarded by society according to his habits and disposition. Habit differs from man to man. Some are in the habit of forgetting to do things, some have a habit for being always late and some of giving up a job. Some are habitual by late-rising and others are always slow. Therefore, habit cause loss to oneself and irritates others. Excellence of character is nothing but a bundle of excellent habits.

Habit once formed will focus man’s later life. If the habit of telling a series of lies is formed, the incumbent is not able to speak the truth. The best way of building up character is to form habits. Drinking alcohol is a first class bad habit. Once this had habit of drinking is formed, it is very difficult to give it up. Firstly, people stated drinking out of fashion and gradually it became a series bad habit. A drunkard looses his morality, mental control and happiness. He indulges himself in abuses, beating family members specially his wife and children. He becomes a family burden and an undesired person in society. A drunkard spends his earning in buying wine. A drunkard needs rich dish after drinking. But a poor drunkard cannot buy it. So, he falls a victim to heart disease, lung and liver disease and consequently meets an untimely death.

Buddhism considers alcoholic drinks as one of the six Causes of Ruin. Buddhism implies that whoever engages in such a practice is the cause of woes and ruin to oneself and others. Addiction to alcohol and other forms of substance give rise to the loss of money, loss of temper, loss of health, loss of reputation, loss of future prospects and the loss of a normal brain function.

The Buddha was staying at Isipatana forst. Oneday he saw an elderly beggar with his wife. They were standing at the entrance of the dinning hall. Looking at the elderly couple, the Buddha told Ananda about their bad future. The beggar was once the son of a rich man in Benaras. His parents thought that they had enough wealth. They did not educate the son, nor did they encourage him to be trained in any profession. The son passed his days only by singing, dancing and merry-making. His wife also hailed form a wealthy family. She also had no training background like her husband. They become the owner of a vast wealth and property after the death of their parents. The wealthy man started drink alcoholic drinks with his bad companions. He had nothing to do except indulging in all sorts of entertainment. In course of time, the couple began to sell their home and possessions. Because they had no cash to meet their expenses. The son of a millionaire has become a beggar as a result of alcohol addiction.

There is a maxim – as you sow, so you reap. According to Buddhism, all living beings face the effects of good and bad actions (kamma). The effects of past actions of human beings are the results they are now reaping. The effects of present actions will be their future results. Every little effort to do good and avoid evil is important. It is possible to change the effects of kamma by present actions. Therefore, kamma is the inheritance of human beings.
According to the law of kamma, the aforesaid couple performed good actions in their previous existence. Both of them accumulated merits keeping precepts and gave alms. So, they were born into a rich family in the present existence. Their parents were lacking wisdom and they did not train them to find suitable profession. Because the parents did not practice meditation in their previous life. In the present life, the couple did not perform any good deeds and the husband became addicted to alcohol. In future existence, both of them will definitely suffer dangerous punishment in hell for millions of years. If they have chance for a rebirth they would be reborn into poverty. Moreover, the husband might be reborn retarded on account of his evil kamma of alcohol addiction. Those taking intoxicants will be deformed, dumb, ignorant, insane and forgetful in every existence.

The fifth precept of pañca-sīla suggests abstinence from consuming intoxicants. Drinking blurs the senses and brings man down to the level of animals. It becomes the cause of social problems like quarrels, fighting, and crimes. Western culture had penetrated deep into Thailand. Western culture is based on materialistic notations. For example, dating in Eastern culture means that a boy and girl can gossip, move, talk, remain friend without any physical interaction. But dating in Western culture means that they live together like couple without marriage. After sometimes, they can put with their company without any restriction and can find a new friend. This attitude is a cultural assault on Western culture.

For many westerners drinking is a past of life. Thailand became acquainted with various forms of western material property. Many travelers come to Thailand. Because this country is the most popular tourist destination in South-East Asia. There is a big bar culture in certain parts of Thailand. Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues are selling intoxicating beverages regularly. Alcohol is estimated to be the third most important health risk factor in Thailand. People should bear in mind that Buddhism prohibits drinking alcohol. About 95% of the entire Thai populations of 62 millions (as of 2001) are Buddhists. Buddhism is the backbone of Thai culture. There are today more than 30,000 Wats and Hermitages, about 340,000 monks and novices, two Buddhist Universities and some 7,000 schools for Buddhist education in the Kingdom of her 200,000 square miles. But the Kingdom is bow in a moral and social conflict within itself owing to drinking culture.

Unfortunately, Thai Government remains silent against intoxicating substances which are contrary to Buddhist efforts to maintain mindfulness and equanimity at all times. Drinking negatively affects man’s health and life. Alcohol costs quite a bit of money but offers nothing in return. Drinking alcohol sets a bad example for one’s kids. If parents drink, kinds will imitate them and will be more inclined to drink too. Consequently, peace and family ties will be destroyed. Drunk driving is a major problem in Thailand. Thousands of people are killed each year because of it. Some people drink because it makes them feel better, happier, more confident and often a lot more talking. It is because of impaired mind that makes one think that way. Prohibition of drinking should be taken and alcohol sales should be banned. Drinking is also undesirable in the Buddhist countries. Therefore, more and more people, government and non-government agencies, social groups, conscious youth organization and other corporate bodies should come forward to fight against drinking. Religious preceptors and leaders should pay urgent attention to this acute problem. Manufacturing companies can set an idea example in stopping production though selling alcohol may a profitable business. Policy-makers have a responsibility towards society, to maintain decency and quality of life of the population.