Notes on Abstaining from Intoxication (developing)

Why is it that breaching the fifth precept is the most dangerous?

-Six Drawbacks of Drinking

There are these six drawbacks of habitually drinking alcohol. Immediate loss of wealth, promotion of quarrels, susceptibility to illness, disrepute, indecent exposure; and weakened wisdom is the sixth thing. These are the six drawbacks of habitually drinking alcohol.

Alcohol is a chemical produced by fermentation, which suppresses the central nervous system and causes intoxication when ingested.

1. Understanding the wording

Surā ( fermented intoxicant liquor made with powdery substances)-brewed from rice or flour 

Fermentation involves the conversion of sugar into alcohol through the digestive process of certain yeasts. Fermentation cannot produce a higher alcohol content than can be tolerated by the yeasts. However higher alcohol content can be produced by heating the mixture and then condensing the resultant vapors, a process called distilling.

Meraya (distilled intoxicant spirits)-distilled alcohol made from sugar or fruit and sometimes flavored with sugar, pepper or the bark of a certain tree.

Majja -made from honey and āsava was made from the juice of the palmyra palm or the wild date palm and could be either just brewed or distilled.

pamāda-heedlessness

aṭṭhāna-basis

2. The difference between brewing and distilling

Brewing is the process of making beer from grains, such as wheat and barley, while distilling is the process of taking fermented beverages, such as beer and wine, and separating out the alcohol from them. Both methods require a great deal of skill and knowledge to produce a quality product.  Distilling is also  the process of making a liquid stronger or purer by heating it until it changes to a gas and then cooling it so that it changes back into a liquid or a liquid made by this process:

The distillation of beer produces whiskey. The distillation of wine produces brandy. 

Eg- whiskey

American whiskey- distilled only once

Scottish whiskey- double distilled and charcoal filtered

Irish whiskey- triple distilled Spirits are much stronger than other alcoholic drinks like wine and beer.

3. The most obvious danger of intoxicants

is the fact that they tend to distort the sensibilities and deprive people of their self-control and powers of judgment. Under alcoholic influences, a person is likely to act rashly and without due consideration or forethought.

4. Right Drinking?

5. Why is the fifth precept not included in the Noble Eightfold Path or the higher precepts? 

6. How does Buddhism see “drunkenness”?

7. Is smoking included in the fifth precept?

8. Can I break the fifth precept when I take medications containing alcohol or drugs?

9. Can I take alcoholic herbal products just because I love the taste/smell?

10. Can a small amount of alcohol lead me to defilements?

11. Is moderate drinking good?

12. What is mindful drinking?