From “Surãmeraya” in the Buddha's Time to “Drugs” in Thai Society

Interpretation and synthesis according to the Fifth of the Five Precepts

Abstract

This article aims to interpret and synthesize the fifth of the Five Precepts, abstaining from intoxicants (Surãmeraya), and drugs in contemporary Thai society. It finds that this precept has two meanings: 1) the intention to abstain from intoxicants, specifically Surā (distilled spirits) and Meraya (fermented liquors), and 2) the intention to abstain from intoxicants, including both alcohol and other intoxicating substances. The prohibited substances are interpreted in two ways: 1) a focus on two prohibited substances, Surā and Meraya, with the meaning expanded to include other drugs through the principle of Mahãpadesa (principal references), but limited to substances consumed orally, thus meeting the complete criteria for a violation; and 2) a focus on prohibited three substances, Surā, Meraya and other intoxicants, without relying on the Mahãpadesa principle, but interpreting “intoxicants” to include drugs that are ingested or drunk to fully meet the criteria for a violation. When synthesizing the relationship between drugs and the fifth precept, the results can be categorized into two groups: Group 1, drugs that violate the precept if ingested or drunk but do not violate the precept if inhaled, sniffed, smoked, or injected (into the bloodstream). Examples include opium, morphine, amphetamine, ecstasy, kratom, ketamine, and cannabis; and Group 2, drugs that do not violate the precept because they are inhaled, sniffed, smoked, or injected. Examples include heroin, ice (methamine), and cocaine. The author agrees with both of these groups. Additionally, adherence to the fifth precept must be complemented by the practice of the associated virtues, namely mindfulness and caution which help practitioners understand and avoid all forms of intoxication comprehensively.