— From dosakkhayo:
“I believe that the core keyword of Buddha Dhamma is addiction.”
I found contemplation in terms of addiction or intoxication is of big benefit. We can relate to this since we are familiar with being addicted to one thing or another, and experiencing relief (niramisa sukha) of breaking free from the addiction.
Addiction or intoxication is majji, and I’d like to share two posts that have helped me understand this concept.— (1)
Majjhimā Patipadā – Way to Relinquish Attachments to this World
Bullet #1 explains the deeper aspect of the Path as more than just a “middle path”, but a path free of intoxication.— (2)
The Five Precepts – What the Buddha Meant by Them
Bullet #8 explains the deeper aspect of the 5th precept as also avoiding being intoxicated.
The 5th precept is so easily misunderstood as just abstaining from alcohol or substances. In my native language, this precept is called the “wine precept”. There are people who follow this precept so strictly, to the point of not taking even a sip of champagne at a wedding, but wantonly breaking other precepts, like musavada for example, without giving it another thought. This precept, when not understood in its deeper aspect, easily leads to silabata paramasa.
Best,
Lang