Lzh Mu Bu Pm Pc 79Drinking Alcohol

Sutta on Drinking Alcohol (Surāpāna)

Background

The Surāpāna Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic disciplinary code of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. This rule was established by the Buddha Gotama to protect the purity of the community of monks, nuns, and those who study the Buddha-Dharma.

The history of the formation of this rule is tied to the practical needs of the monastic community. At first, the Buddha did not set forth specific rules, and disciples practiced based on the teachings on mindfulness and clear comprehension. However, when certain monastics became unfocused, used alcohol, and caused disorder, the Buddha formally laid down the prohibition. This reflects a Buddhist principle: rules arise from practical need in order to protect the study and practice of the Dharma.

Main Content

The rule on drinking alcohol (Surāpāna-sikkhāpadaṃ) is one of the essential prohibitions for the renunciant community. According to the Pātimokkha, drinking alcohol or intoxicating substances is absolutely prohibited for all bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This is not a Pārājika, a grave offense leading to expulsion, but a Pācittiya, a lighter offense requiring confession.

The reason the Buddha established this rule is profound. Alcohol clouds wisdom (moha) and diminishes clear comprehension (sampajañña), a core factor in Buddhist practice. A person who drinks alcohol cannot maintain a peaceful mind, concentrate in meditation, or properly practice a pure way of life. Moreover, alcohol can lead to unwholesome actions, lying, violence, and sensual desire, actions contrary to the basic Five Precepts.

This rule also protects the honor of the Sangha. When a drunken bhikkhu appears before the public, it causes laypeople to lose faith in the power of monastic practice, thereby affecting the sustainable development of Buddhism in society.