buddhism and weed

[andymac]

hi there

im just starting to 'dabble' in weed and stuff, and was wondering,
is it wrong to smoke weed if you are a buddhist?
i'm the son of 2 catholic parents, but im a buddhist (dont ask long story lol)

so if there any buddhist stoners here, :P

and if ive caused offense to anyone atall by linking buddhism with weed im sorry, just wondering if i should continue :)

andy

[HvyFuel]

Buddhists have been using cannabis during meditation for thousands of years.
This should help...
http://humate.net/Scythchurch.html

peace :)

[andymac]

thanks man, that helps alot :D

so, looks like all go :D. good news for me :)

thanks again

andy

[KillaBuzz]

yeah yer good 2 go :cool:

[joker121]

I used to be Buddhist, and still subscribe to many of its principles, much to the dismay of my Catholic parents.
As I remeber in the eightfold path, their is something about not smoking, that's part of the reason I kicked Buddhism.

[DXeM]

As I remeber in the eightfold path, their is something about not smoking, that's part of the reason I kicked Buddhism.

Correct... I thought about Buddhism as a place to rest my faith, but in Buddhism your body is regarded as a temple. Drugs are against the religion.

[Wheemer]

It was my understanding that aslong as the substance doesn't distort your connection with peace, it was ok in budhism. I could be way off base. I think if you are using marijuana as a sacriment, or a tool in your ultimate pursuit of being one with budha, it should be ok.

I use it quite often while meditating. It is a great help to relax the mind.

And as for catholic religion, or any religion based on Jesus' teachings; It is said that jesus breathed in smoke from burning holy oil. It is said that cannabis was one of the main ingredients of that oil. It is said that jesus would gain great wisdom and sometime see god while under the influence of it.

[HvyFuel]

He mainly used a very potent annointing oil although the practice of laying cannabis buds on hot coals predates Jesus' times so it is quite possibly even He inhaled.

peace ;)

[buddha]

Buddhism is all about your body they may have used to smoke or used marijuana for rituals way back but now that they know it harms your body it would deffinetly have changed to somthing they do not accept. All religons have their extremes though and the more laid back sides. i suggest dont spend time trying to do what other people did or what they want you to do just do what makes you happy.

[Encatuse]

You aren't required to live by the standards someone else gives you. ((That is unless you require yourself to)) Take the principles, ideas, etc., that you like from buddhism and just practice those.

[InhaleItALL]

hi there

so if there any buddhist stoners here, :P

and if ive caused offense to anyone atall by linking buddhism with weed im sorry, just wondering if i should continue :)

andy

I am a Buddhist as well... weed has given me some pretty powerful visions in my meditation. I think technically according to strict buddhist doctrines it should not be used, but my belief is that just like everything else.. in moderation it is ok. As long as you are not using weed to hide the truth, but using it to explore the truth you will be fine. There is no wrong path.

[econoshamanic]

I think in the final analysis, the question of the compatibility of grass with Buddhism is a personal one. We each know, in our heart of hearts, whether what we are doing is true to our path or not. The answer differs from person to person.

That said, my (limited) understanding of the eightfold path, is that it prohibits intoxication. Buddhist scholars have disagreed as to the meaning of this word and whether it applies to all uses of cannabis (or other entheogens).

I refer those interested in this issue to the book Zig Zag Zen, an excellent collection about Buddhism and entheogens.

[BradPitt]

...

[socks]

The guidlines Buddhism presents you with are exactly that, "guidelines". They are there to give u a basis for the most fulfilling, happy and healthy life you can lead and not too diminish ones freedom or choices in life. Buddhism is essentially a philosophy not a religion, there are no rules. Therefore you can make ur own decision about smoking mj based upon Buddhisms guidelines and ur own well being.

[sugarmagnolia]

from an outsiders point of view (which I am since I do not interest myself in Buddhism) u all seem like u are trying to convince urself that Cannabis is accepted in Buddhism. I will not judge whether it is or not, but if u say what is really said in ur posts it is "well I like marijuana so I'm gonna only look at the evidence that might lead to buddhism accepting cannabis." Now don't quote me on that please because I know htat some people did note the eightfold path.

I know a pretty devout buddhist who wakes up every morning at 6 to meditate for an hour, and he smokes weed and grew it so I know there are definitely devout buddhists who do so. But u guys shouldn't care whether a religion accepts what u do, because if u do only but what a religion says u kill what u are and become a clone of what society wants.

[Nullific]

Buddhism wasnt meant to be a collection of strict rules for mind-control like many organized religions.


Buddhism is all about your body they may have used to smoke or used marijuana for rituals way back but now that they know it harms your body it would deffinetly have changed to somthing they do not accept.
Its not all about body, some Buddhists may practice things like yoga as a way to shape both their body and mind, others practice methods of meditation, some use drugs, the minority of buddhists worship any sort of god. Cannabis is one of the safest substances known to man, there are no records of death caused by marijuana in the thousands of years it has been used. They havn't even been able to give any real evidence suggesting use of cannabis leads to lung or brain damage.

The five precepts of Buddhism are:

1. Abstain from killing living beings;
2. Abstain from taking that which not given;
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct;
4. Abstain from false speech;
5. Abstain from distilled substances that confuse the mind. (Alcohol and Drugs)

The underlying principle is non-exploitation of yourself or others. The precepts are the foundation of all Buddhist training. With a developed ethical base, much of the emotional conflict and stress that we experience is resolved, allowing commitment and more conscious choice. Free choice and intention is important. It is "I undertake" not 'Thou Shalt". Choice, not command.

There are many Buddhist who use a wide range of drugs for mind expansion and as part of their lifestyle.

[larry]

I know buddhism is against it
but you can still be buddhist,
just make efforts at trying to reduce your addiction.
I dont think it is as bad as alcohol or cocaine.
But buddhism is against all addictions.

[duppy man]

try converting to Rastafarian where it is without doubt 100% within that faith to smoke weed. ;)

[larry]

I would rather not smoke weed


If it wasn't so fuckin good
LOL

[InhaleItALL]

I know buddhism is against it
but you can still be buddhist,
just make efforts at trying to reduce your addiction.
I dont think it is as bad as alcohol or cocaine.
But buddhism is against all addictions.
using does not = addict

[duppy man]

each to their own larry, each to their own..

[larry]

Using/Doing Anything daily = Addiction

[Nullific]

Maybe if you're catholic

[InhaleItALL]

Using/Doing Anything daily = Addiction
Perhaps. Must be why I don't do that :)

[Kid Dynamite]

as long as you dont get addicted your ok. My freinds dad is a buddhist monk who works with drug addicts in Thailand.

[adh endo]

budhha lived on bud seeds..

marijuanaaaaaaaa.... la aa laa... its a religion in itself..

[mrdevious]

I quote from buddha, though I'm not sure if I remember it word for word:

"never accept anything you are told, even if it's from the buddha, unless it coincides with your own moral logic".

buddhism isn't a hard-ass fanatical religion like many (though of course many people ruin the faith by making it one, like any).

[adh endo]

yeha. lets invade somewhere for our religion cos its a better one than yours.

[MelT]

This book combines meditation and weed: Headstuff Books | Cannabis & Meditation | About (http://www.headstuffbooks.com)

MelT

[sonic titan]

I follow a lot of buddhist teachings, but not all. I just do what I do and let others do the same.

[imitator]

Technically any drugs, be it alcohol, cigs, or pot, are against the tenants of the Buddhist religion.

However, its not something where they say that you will burn in hell for doing it, they simply state that to reach true enlightenment, you are not supposed to do them. They affect your mind, they alter your mind, and doing that is supposed to prevent you from being able to acheive true enlightenment and such.

That being said, there are known sects of Buddhist monks that use alcohol/drugs, and I havent met a Buddhist yet who has said a negative thing towards them or personal use of them, just that they believe using them makes acheiving true enlightenment near impossible.

[thecreator]

Using/Doing Anything daily = Addiction

Ok so im addicted to school, work, food, green, music, life....I think thats a bit of an extreme wouldn't you agree? I see where your coming from but life is a(n) unidentified pattern after all. Hey maybe its just me

[imitator]

Ok so im addicted to school, work, food, green, music, life....I think thats a bit of an extreme wouldn't you agree? I see where your coming from but life is a(n) unidentified pattern after all. Hey maybe its just me

No, its not just you. Under that broad definition, our entire "day to day" lives are an addiction.

Breathing, sleeping, eating, drinking, blinking, thinking, walking, seeing, etc etc... these are all consider addictions according to that definition?

Now yes, some of those things you can have a legitimate addiction to, but can you have a legitimate addiction to breathing? Because I havent been able to kick that habit for almost 22 years now...

The spirit behind the definition is understandable, but the way it was put is way too wide to be usable in any way.

[Chronisseur]

I think the 'internalization' effect of cannabis, may guide many to the realization that our lives are a result of a more inner consious decision, that in turn manifests itself in a more mundane form. In a nutshell, the things we experience with sight, touch etc. are a bi-product of our inner self, and our 'subconcious' clarity/decisions.
I've been living in this mockery of unshakeable 'nirvana', due to my seeming inability to attain this level of bliss, in the absence of our favorite herb.

(...wow man, what a fuckin' stoner thing to say:D)

[imitator]

The interesting thing about nirvana according to buddhism, is that if you think you have obtained it, then you havent. Its such a puzzling concept, I dont think I could really fully grasp every aspect of it unless I was experiencing it at the moment.

Although it does make sense in a way to me... but still, the concept of "if you realize you are here, then you are not here" is an interesting one.

[Chronisseur]

I think it refers to a sort of diffusion of self, amongst environment. Freeing ones self into a force of no limits,...maybe the same force that seems to guide so many people in mysterious ways.

[DSX 1]

I always hear of the "clouding the mind" stuff from a Buddhists take on drugs yet some of the active chemicals which can be classed as psychoactive ingredients are readily produced naturally in our bodies. Says science.

Clearly the use of drugs such as DMT alters ones state of consciousness as will meditation, DMT is also as everybody knows naturally produced in the brain. I donâ??t really believe in removing these certain entities such as sex, drugs, and whatever, they are here to stay and they are a natural process of evolution.

These drugs we speak of are nothing more than the creation of certain chemicals and thus feelings within the brain, one could create the same feeling of warmth and well being from having viewed a beautiful landscape or a breathtakingly admiring thought of a loved one.

It is only natural for humans to explore different states of consciousness (it is only a shame that we have been given degraded, unnatural, processed, synthesized methods and substances such as alcohol, cocaine, meth and so forth) it is a matter of opinion to say that drugs cloud the mind and are bad, humans have been using hallucinogenic drugs since the dawn of time. And we are still here using them, do some research on the ancient and vast knowledge of the cosmos these civilisations had and you will be shocked when you realise how much MORE they knew than us.

[imitator]

Well the idea of nirvana is freedom from everything. Everything, included preconceived notions and thoughts, which means if you think that you are in nirvana, you have not freed yourself, therefore you arent in nirvana.

At least thats how I have always interpretted it.

I dont know if Id ever be able to acheive it, because every time I feel that light wispy touch of enlightenment and revelation, I try to grasp it, because its such a wonderful, unique, one of a kind feeling that comes along so rarely.

[DSX 1]

Well the idea of nirvana is freedom from everything. Everything, included preconceived notions and thoughts, which means if you think that you are in nirvana, you have not freed yourself, therefore you arent in nirvana.

So would nirvana = death?

[imitator]

So would nirvana = death?

According to Buddism, and Buddha, death is just a concept created by humans, and not something that actually happens.

We are never born, and we never die, because you can not create or destroy matter. We are "born" when the conditions are sufficient for us to manifest ourselves, and we "die" when those conditions are no longer there.

Nirvana is escape from everything. Including the concept of escape and the concept of everything.

And the concept of concepts. :p

[onequickmove]

is it wrong to smoke weed if you are a buddhist?

someone's been living in a judeo-christian world ;) clear your mind baby :rastasmoke: and let go of the "right" and "wrong"

[DSX 1]

According to Buddism, and Buddha, death is just a concept created by humans

I shoot you in the head with a shotgun. Do you still believe you are alive?

[DSX 1]

I understand what your saying, its just your theory cannot be applied to humans as it is based around no proof.

If I shot you the matter or energy you are made of is obviously still going to be what we would call "alive".

Matter cannot die from a gun wound and yes matter cannot be destroyed full stop but if I took your conscious from you then what is left?

Without your awareness and thought and the ability to think you are dead.

I think therefore I am.


Nirvana is escape from everything. Including the concept of escape and the concept of everything.

And the concept of concepts

And also obviously, escape from nirvana?

So the objective is to basically 'not exist?'

The point of existence is to not exist.

[imitator]

I understand what your saying, its just your theory cannot be applied to humans as it is based around no proof.

If I shot you the matter or energy you are made of is obviously still going to be what we would call "alive".

Matter cannot die from a gun wound and yes matter cannot be destroyed full stop but if I took your conscious from you then what is left?

Without your awareness and thought and the ability to think you are dead.

I think therefore I am.

How do you prove that you have taken away my conciousness?

When a body stops working, how do we know that the conciousness/spirit/whatever is gone as well?

[imitator]

And also obviously, escape from nirvana?

So the objective is to basically 'not exist?'

The point of existence is to not exist.

Its being beyond such frail human things as words.


It is a state that is free from any mind-contaminants (kilesa) such as lust, anger or craving; a state of perfect peace unobstructed by psychological conditioning (sankhara). All forms of craving are extinguished such that one is no longer subject to human suffering (dukkha) or further states of rebirths in the samsara.


"There is that dimension where there is neither earth, nor water, nor fire, nor wind; neither dimension of the infinitude of space, nor dimension of the infinitude of consciousness, nor dimension of nothingness, nor dimension of neither perception nor non-perception; neither this world, nor the next world, nor sun, nor moon. And there, I say, there is neither coming, nor going, nor stasis; neither passing away nor arising: without stance, without foundation, without support [mental object]. This, just this, is the end of stress."




When a person who has realized Nirvāṇa dies, his death is referred as his parinirvāṇa, his fully passing away, as his life was his last link to the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara), and he will not be reborn again. Buddhism holds that the ultimate goal and end of samsaric existence (of ever "becoming" and "dying" and never truly being) is realization of Nirvāṇa; what happens to a person after his parinirvāṇa cannot be explained adequately, as it is outside of all conceivable experience of this world

There are a few excerpts from wiki. I think that may explain it a bit better for you.

Also, I think its worth noting that I am not Buddhist, I am just trying to explain it as best as I can from an outside perspective.

[Psycho4Bud]

Lucky for some that all I did was clean this b.s. up.........this thread is CLOSED!

Have a good one!:jointsmile: