勸發菩提心集 2.14

2.14

There are three kinds of alcohol: namely, grain, fruit, and plant-based, each of many types. Anything that can cause one's mind to be agitated and heedless is called alcohol; none of it should be drunk, and this is called refraining from alcohol. Question: Alcohol can dispel cold and bring benefit and joy to the body; why should one not drink it? Answer: Its benefits to the body are extremely small, while the harm it causes is exceedingly great; therefore, one should not drink it. As the Buddha told the upāsaka Nandika, alcohol has thirty-five faults. What are the thirty-five faults? First, current wealth is depleted. Why? Because when a person drinks alcohol and becomes intoxicated, his mind knows no restraint, and expenditure is without measure. Second, it is the gateway to many diseases. Third, it is the root of disputes and litigation. Fourth, one exposes oneself without shame. Fifth, one incurs an ugly reputation and evil renown, not being respected by others. Sixth, it covers and drowns wisdom. Seventh, things that ought to be attained are not attained, and things already attained are scattered and lost. Eighth, hidden matters are entirely disclosed to others. Ninth, all kinds of undertakings are neglected and left incomplete. Tenth, intoxication is the root of sorrow. Why? Because during intoxication many mistakes are made, and upon sobering up one feels remorse and sorrow. Eleventh, physical strength gradually diminishes. Twelfth, physical complexion is ruined. Thirteenth, one does not know to respect one's father. Fourteenth, one does not know to respect one's mother. Fifteenth, one does not know to respect śramaṇas. Sixteenth, one does not know to respect brāhmaṇas. Seventeenth, one does not know to respect uncles and elders. Why? Because submerged in drunkenness and disorientation, one makes no distinctions. Eighteenth, one does not respect the Buddha. Nineteenth, one does not respect the Dharma. Twentieth, one does not respect the Saṅgha. Twenty-first, one associates with evil persons. Twenty-second, one alienates the worthy and good. Twenty-third, one becomes a breaker of the precepts. Twenty-fourth, one is without shame and remorse. Twenty-fifth, one does not guard the six sense faculties. Twenty-sixth, one indulges in sensual lust and heedlessness. Twenty-seventh, one is hated and detested by others, who do not wish to see him. Twenty-eighth, one is ostracized by respected relatives and friends. Twenty-ninth, one practices unwholesome dharmas. Thirtieth, one abandons wholesome dharmas. Thirty-first, one is not trusted or employed by clear-minded and wise persons. Why? Because alcohol causes heedlessness. Thirty-second, one distances oneself from nirvāṇa. Thirty-third, one plants the causes of delusion. Thirty-fourth, when the body breaks up and life ends, one falls into the evil destinies. Thirty-fifth, if one attains human form, wherever one is born one will constantly be insane and foolish. These are the various faults of the thirty-five offenses; therefore, one should not drink.