Question
Should one avoid alcohol and marijuana completely in order to retain awareness or should one work in harmony with one’s surroundings and drink and smoke when others are doing the same? I know that Deshimaru drank and seemed to not think that it is wrong. Or is moderation the way to smoking and drinking? Is it egotistical to say that one never drinks or smokes?
Gassho
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
The main thing is that one should not have attachment to these, or addiction. Addiction to alcohol is bad for oneself as well as for the people close, as it may give birth to an unpredictable behaviour which is painful for all. Drink from time to time is nothing wrong. Its just a code of conduct for oneself, no use to stack on strict abstinence, that’s what I think.
Same for dope. I personally do not like dope, it makes me vomit. For me the real danger with dope is that people have the tendency, if they smoke too much, to become paranoid. Control it, a joint from time to time with friends, why not if you like it. Zen does not edict rules on these subjects, that is up to you. Alcohol, neither dope, bring awareness anyway. All that is just a question of quantity, control, no attachment, it varies among people. If someone goes wild with one glass of alcohol, it is then better that he does not drink.
Deshimaru is Deshimaru, yourself is yourself.
Kosen