Expert: Joe McSorley - 2/22/2006

Question
Hello,
I was wondering whether zen interprets the 5th precept differently than other forms of Buddhism.  What made me curious are the several ancient stories I've read of zen monks getting drunk off saki, Alan Watts openly advocating the use of LSD, and even a book published on zen and psychedelic drugs.  How does zen traditionally interpret the 5th precept?  Are these examples of "reinterpreting" or simply "breaking" the 5th precept?

Thank you so much for your answer!


Answer
Hi
 No, Zen does not traditionally interpret the 5th precept differently and it is not concerned with the observance of rules just for the sake of conformity to a religious ideal.  Zen is often called ‘that which does not rely on words and letters' meaning it is not concerned with obeying rules and tenets but is wholly concerned with self-awakening.  If it so happens that in the quest for self-awakening that adhering to these rules helps you then you are doing it because it's part of your striving.  Buddhism taught as a religion is very different than Zen is.  As a religion you can follow precepts, canon and traditions and most sects of Buddhism does this.  Zen is not concerned with imitating the historical Buddha but in achieving the identical awakening that he did.
 In general Buddhism does not rely on dogma or scripture.  Here is a wonderful quote:
"Do not believe in anything
simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in traditions
simply because they have been handed
down for many generations.
Do not believe in anything
simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything
simply because it is found written in your
religious books.
Do not believe in anything
merely on the authority of your teachers
and elders.
But when, after observation and analysis,
you find anything that agrees with reason,
and is conducive to the good and benefit
of one and all,
then accept it and live up to it.
-- Kalama Sutra
  So you can see from this that it's not just about obeying some law but more about actualizing in yourself true religious/spiritual searching.  Now let me get to the practical reality of this.  If you were training to make it to the Olympics would you do things that were not beneficial to your quest?  If someone is sincere in their search they will not do those things that impede their progress.  To obey the 5th precept simply because it's the 5th precept is fine but to adhere to it because it helps you is a much better and genuine reason.  You can find these types of precepts in most religions but that doesn't necessarily make priests and imans holy or righteous, just sober.  In Zen you do it because it's a good tool.
  I have a very hard time with Watts and the drug use.  I came up in that era and found that those who were most sincere never did drugs or anything that blurred the path.  Taking drugs also implies that awakening is a functioning of the brain and this is wrong.  Awakening is mind and body fallen off and not some narcotizing function of the brain stem.  I think that those who think drugs are helpful are severely misguided.
  Just to put a twist here, Buddhism ultimately teaches that the self is empty and that No-mind is to be attained.  If after awakening you do drink who is it that gets drunk?
   I hope that this has helped more than confuse you.  Take care,
                                 Joe