Alcohol and Sikhism

Hi,
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/hard-talk/5964-alcohol-and-sikhism.html

Sikhism prohibits alcohol … but reading through English translation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji I could not find clear probations – can anyone point me to appropriate references in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

thanks
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Those who do not use intoxicants are true; they dwell in the Court of the Lord. (ang 15)
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=5964

Hi AmeriKaur,
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=5964

Thanks for this ref, and yes it does advocate not using intoxicants but it is not a clear injunction not to either.

Is this vagueness the reason why so many "Sikhs" drink ?

Hi Highway1980,

That is a doozy of a question. I don't know the real answer - or answers. I do have a couple of ideas. This is a beast that I did battle with not long back, so I hope you also don't mine my own story.

One is strictly syllogistic. A negative statement is logically impossible to prove.

If someone says "AmeriKaur, prove that you went to your martial arts class today," that is a easier than proving that I didn't go.

The other opinion is in the way of Sikhism itself.

The vagueness that you speak of is absolutely true. Sihkism is not a dogmatic religion.

The Gurus instead took a more introspective approach. They wanted us to look inside ourselves. They wanted us to look to God. So much emphasis is placed on Simran. Why is this done? For spiritual reasons, it is a way to get closer to God.

For practical reasons, it is a way for the individual Sikh to find the true path, and get our questions answered...not just answered, but answered in a way that makes sense.

But such conflicts have come up before. Enter the need for the rehat maryada or Sikh Code of Conduct. The rehat maryada is about 100 years old and was written by humans, that agreed upon what behavior was acceptable and what behavior wasn't acceptable. This is where one will find verbage that is more dogmatic, such as to specifically not drink, not smoke, or not do drugs. The Rehat's own rules state that following the Rehat is encouraged for a non-Amritdhari Sikh, mandatory for an Amritdhari Sikh.

But the Rehat Maryada is controversial. Some accept all of it or mosto of it and follow it. Some reject it. Some Sikhs doubt it's need or authority, as it is not gurbani.

But, there are problems even with dogmatism...as one can use or twist dogmatism to suit a given agenda. Think of Bill Clinton saying that a certain kind of sex is not a sin, because it is not forbidden in the Bible. Even dogmatism has it's limits.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=5964

So, do I think that many Sikhs drink because of the vagueness in Gurbani?

Maybe some.

Some of it also has to do with self-discipline, self-restraint, and the fact that social drinking tends to begat social drinking.

For me, I used to drink socially, I grew up in a non-Sikh family where both of my parents drank lightly. By lightly I mean, never everyday and never more than two glasses of wine. I copied my parents there.

I was surprised, and a little frustrated, at how hard alcohol was to give up. It was the social part of it...it's what I do when I go out with friends. Have dinner, and a drink. And my friends like to have dinner, and a drink. Some of my friends even said "Don't give it up entirely, it relaxes you, you know"

I'm embarassed to say that it took me a long, long, long time (a few years) to finally cut myself away and say that I honestly "don't drink." I asked God for help "God, please make me hate this stuff."
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=5964

I focused on finding more friends that don't drink, to help build a new lifestyle...and this was key, because this gave me the strength I needed to be around my old friends that still have a glass of wine or two...and not feel like I have to indulge in the drink to enjoy their company. My buddies in martial arts helped me more than they will ever know.

developing self-discipline, developing self-restraint, dogmatic scriptures, personal desirs, social patterns...I honestly don't know what the magic "off" switch was that would get Sikhs to stop drinking en masse.

Maybe, each individual Sikh has to find their own way, in a way that makes sense to them.

That is only my opinion though. What do you think?

Hi AmeriKaur,
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=5964

Sorry for the late reply, have been away.


I agree Sikhism is far from dogmatic, unlike other Religions I could mention. The rehat maryada is actually not well known the UK and little adhered too. I mean, it is going to be difficult to follow a code which has been developed by people only a couple of generations ago even if its foundations are based on well researched scholarly study.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=5964

Good to see you have managed to stop drinking... I just need to try little harder.

Hi AmeriKaur

I read through your words and I must say it has put me to shame. I call myself a Sikh, but drink every night. It's a stupid habit that started 7 years ago. Started off as the occasional drink, but now on a daily basis.

I have tried many a times to stop, but keep having relapses. I wish I was stonger and had the willpower to stop. I myself pray to God that I can give this habit up as it has taken oven my relationship with my husband, financial difficulties and my health. Every night I get back from work and open a bottle of wine.

I glad I've joined this forum as it is giving me the advice and help to use and strengthen my willpower to succeed. Any suggestions or comments welcome.

Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru ji Ki Fateh,

Das is just a learner so apologies if anything incorrect is said.

From what I can gather, our Guru's probably knew all about the future ie kalyug culture.

Das have a feeling that Guru's did advice on not consuming anything that will effect our mind ie our thinking (mentioned as "distractions" or other).

Adverse substances effects our mind and if we cant concentrate then how can we even contemplate/concentrate and remember Waheguru.!!!!

Its the same as very late nights and having difficulty in getting up in the amrit wela to naam jap or read/sing bani. (das is trying to achieve this!)

If our body and mind are not fit for the basic requirements of Guru's hukum then how can we progress spiritually.

Dont eat too much, sleep too much.

Dont drink,inhale or eat anything that will effect our mind and body.

All this are distractions from achieving the purpose of being born as a human being.

We must not be distracted from this purpose.

Next time you pick up a glass of alcohol just think of the above.

Just remember that "waheguru" actually dwells in all of us, in you!!.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=5964

Ang 170 Raag Gaurhee Poorbee: Guru Ram Das

iehu mnUAw iKnu n itkY bhu rMgI dh dh idis cil cil hwFy ]
eihu manooaa khin n ttikai bahu rangee dheh dheh dhis chal chal haadtae ||
This mind does not hold still, even for an instant. Distracted by all sorts of distractions, it wanders around aimlessly in the ten directions.

Some shabads/tuks from Sri Guru Granth Sahib JiJ that have prompted me from distraction:


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The first thing you have to do is cut down your drinking. If your opening a bottle of wine everyday now, cut that back. Try and join some form of class in the evening (whatever you fancy, maybe go back and do some education or creative course, nothing too heavy though).

With addiction, the body usual works with environmental triggers. This means that when a substance is taken regularly in a particular environment/way. Being in that environment alone can cause your body to crave the substance....so change it!

Find some more interesting company who are postive and do not drink, again keep yourself busy by learning something new and interesting.

Set yourself realistic goals, if your drinking everyday now, say that you will only drink every other day first. Then after a week or two of this, say that you will only do it on the weekend. An so on......

It is very important that you find something to fill your new found time with though.

Hope that helps, all the best.

Thanks for sharing that information Amerikaur ji... This is very good inspiration.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=5964

Personally, I consider the intoxicants against Sikhi.

Regards.