The Sin of Drinking Alcohol

The Original Text of the Fifth Section of the Upāsaka Five Precepts Sūtra: The Elder Śākata was able to subdue the evil dragon, compelling it to submit and turn from evil to good. People and birds and beasts were then able to approach the dragon palace. When the autumn grain ripened, it was no longer damaged. Because the Elder Śākata's reputation spread, everyone prepared food and took turns inviting him. Among them was a poor woman who was devout and respectful. She invited the Elder Śākata. Śākata silently accepted. This woman prepared renowned clarified butter and milk gruel for him. He received it and ate it. The woman thought to herself, "This śramaṇa has eaten this renowned clarified butter and milk gruel; perhaps he will feel cold." So she took what looked like water-colored wine and offered it to him. This Śākata did not look carefully and drank it. After drinking, he preached the Dharma to her and then left. While heading toward the monastery, the potency of the wine took effect. Near the monastery gate, he collapsed to the ground. His monastic robe, water-straining bag, alms bowl, staff, oil bag, leather sandals, and needle case were each in one place, his body in another, utterly drunk and unconscious.

Explanation: The Elder Śākata was able to subdue the evil dragon, compelling it to submit and turn from evil to good. People and birds and beasts were then able to approach the vicinity of the dragon palace. When the autumn rice ripened, it was no longer ruined. Because the Elder Śākata's reputation spread, everyone prepared food at home and took turns feasting Śākata. Among them was a poor woman who was deeply devout and respectful of Śākata. She invited the Elder Śākata. After Śākata silently accepted the invitation, this woman prepared clarified butter, cheese, and milk gruel for Śākata. Śākata took it and ate it. The woman thought to herself, "This śramaṇa has eaten renowned clarified butter and milk gruel; perhaps he will feel cold." So she took wine that looked like the color of water and handed it to Śākata. Śākata did not see what it was and drank it. After drinking, he preached the Dharma to this woman and then left. On the way to the monastery, the effect of the wine arose. As he neared the monastery gate, he collapsed to the ground. His monastic robe, water-straining bag, alms bowl, staff, oil bag, leather sandals, and needle case were all scattered in different places, his body lying elsewhere, completely drunk and unconscious.

Original Text: At that time, the Buddha and Ānanda were traveling to that place. The Buddha saw this bhikṣu and, knowing full well who it was, deliberately asked, "Ānanda, who is this?" Ānanda replied, "World-Honored One, this is the Elder Śākata." The Buddha then said to Ānanda, "In this place, prepare a seat for me. Fetch water and assemble the Saṅgha." Ānanda received the instruction. He prepared the seat, fetched water, and assembled the Saṅgha. Then he went and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I have prepared the seat, fetched water, and assembled the Saṅgha." The Buddha, knowing the time, washed his feet and sat down. He asked the bhikṣus, "Have you seen or heard of a dragon named Āmbarapradīpa? Fierce, violent, evil, and harmful. Previously, no one could reach its dwelling place. Elephants, horses, cattle, sheep, donkeys, mules, camels—none could approach it. Even birds dared not fly over it. When the autumn grain ripened, it destroyed the crops. Good men, Śākata was able to subdue it and make it good. Now people and birds and beasts can reach the spring." At that time, among the assembly, those who had seen it said, "We have seen it, World-Honored One." Those who had heard of it said, "We have heard of it, World-Honored One." The Buddha said to the bhikṣus, "What do you think? Can this good man Śākata now subdue a frog?" They replied, "He cannot, World-Honored One." The Buddha said, "If even a sage who drinks alcohol suffers such a loss, how much more so an ordinary worldly person! Such transgressions, or transgressions exceeding these, all arise from drinking alcohol. From this day forward, if anyone claims to be a disciple of the Buddha, they must not drink alcohol—not even a drop on the tip of a blade of grass."

Explanation: At that time, the Buddha and Ānanda were traveling to this place. The Buddha saw this bhikṣu and, knowing who it was, deliberately asked, "Ānanda, who is this?" Ānanda replied, "World-Honored One, this is the Elder Śākata." The Buddha then said to Ānanda, "Prepare a seat for me here. Fetch water and assemble all the monks." Ānanda obeyed the instruction. He prepared the seat, beat the drum to assemble the monks, and then said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I have prepared the seat and assembled the monks by beating the drum." The Buddha knew it was time to teach the Dharma. He washed his feet, sat on the seat, and asked the bhikṣus, "Have you ever heard of a dragon named Āmbarapradīpa? It was fierce, cruel, and harmful. Previously, no one dared approach its dwelling. Elephants, horses, cattle, sheep, donkeys, mules, camels—none could get near it. Even birds dared not fly over its abode. When the autumn rice ripened, it destroyed the crops. Good men, Śākata was able to subdue it and make it good. Now all people and birds and beasts can approach that spring." At that time, among the bhikṣu assembly, those who had seen it said, "We have seen it, World-Honored One." Those who had heard of it said, "We have heard of it, World-Honored One." The Buddha said to the bhikṣus, "What do you think? Can this good man Śākata now subdue fish, shrimp, or frogs?" The bhikṣus said, "He cannot, World-Honored One." The Buddha said, "If even a sage who drinks alcohol suffers such a fault, how much more so an ordinary worldly person! Such offenses, or offenses greater than these, all arise from drinking alcohol. From this day forward, if anyone still considers themselves a disciple of the Buddha, they must not drink alcohol—not even a drop on the tip of a blade of grass."