BUDDHISM & DRUG HEALING (part 1) -- By Ven. (Dr) Omalpe Sobhita Thero

INTRODUCTION

The idea of linking Buddhism to drug healing is really not such an anomaly, as some people may think. As far back as 2500 years ago, the Buddha had advised against the consumption of intoxicants and its harmful effects. While the intoxicants referred to by the Buddha were probably of an alcoholic nature, one can gather that illicit drugs would be similarly frowned upon. Like alcohol, the taking of illicit drugs impairs one's thinking and judgement, makes one lose control over his or her actions, and is damaging to one's health. Ingested, inhaled, smoked, injected or snorted, the effects of drug abuse on the individual, the family and the society are detrimental.

On the individual level, drug abuse is damaging, both physically and mentally. There is overwhelming evidence from scientific research of the interference of drugs with normal brain functions. They not only create powerful feelings of pleasure but also have long-term effects on brain metabolism and activity. Even the occasional use of marijuana affects cognitive development and short-term memory. The suffering caused by drug abuse is often a shared experience, affecting both families and friends. Drug abuse often lends itself to domestic violence, child abuse and the breakdown of the family unit. On the social level, drug abuse leads to increased rates of crime and violence, susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and a breakdown in social behavior. Economically, drug abuse lowers productivity and poses a financial strain with its demand for treatment and rehabilitation.

BUDDHIST ATTITUDE TOWARDS DRUG ABUSE

The Buddha's teachings abound with examples of the harmful effects of drugs. The taking of illicit drugs is a gateway to disease (roganam ayatanam) and a door to destruction of wealth (bhoganam apayamukha). It causes one to lose self-control, become violent, cause injury, sexual misconduct, etc. In the compendium of laymen's ethics, the Sigalovada Sutta *1 the Buddha warned Sigala of the six harmful consequences that arise from the indulgence in intoxicants and drugs:

1. Immediate loss of wealth

2. Increase of quarrels and conflicts

3. Liability to disease

4. Earning an ill reputation

5. Loss of sense of shame, leading to indecent exposure physically, morally and spiritually.

6. Weakening of intellect

In the Parabhava Sutta *2 the Buddha advised that a person who is addicted to sex, drugs, intoxicants and vice is prone to squander all his wealth away and would consequently bring about his own downfall and disgrace to the society.

Conversely, in the Mangala Sutta *2 the abstinence from intoxicants, illicit drugs and other vices is considered one of the highest blessings:

"Arati virati papa Majjiapana ca sannamo" "Appamado ca dhammesu Etam mangala muttaman"

To cease and abstain from evil, forbearance with respect to intoxicants. And steadfastness in virtue, this is the Highest Blessing.

The most explicit statement of the Buddhist attitude towards drug abuse is found in the 5th precept of the Panca Sila, the moral precepts which form the basis for daily living for every Buddhist: "Sura-meraya-majja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami"

(I undertake the training to abstain from intoxicating drinks and other harmful addictive drugs that cause heedlessness.)

Through daily recitations, Buddhists remind themselves of the harmful effects of drug abuse and reaffirm their commitment to lead a life free from drugs and other abusive substances. Drug abuse is considered unethical and evil and the only way to avoid its undesirable effects is through total abstinence.

*1 Digha Nikaya

*2 Digha Nikaya

*3 Khuddaka Nikaya

to be continued