Do You Observe the Fifth Precept ‘Moderately’?

The billboard in the photo seems to be that of a distorted beer bottle, which blurly reflects the traffic… which is appropriate for what I wish to share here. Recently, a friend was driving past a deserted part of Singapore one night, after drinking with some friends to celebrate his birthday, which almost became his death anniversary! Obviously, like all others who drive after drinking, he thought he was fit for driving.

He crashed into a lamp post… and the car exploded! Thankfully, he was pulled out in time by a passer-by! Who knows? Maybe a Bodhisattva in disguise! Despite the encouragement to observe the fifth precept of not consuming any intoxicants, I know many Buddhists think moderate social drinking without becoming drunk is okay. But what amount is really 100% acceptable, that will definitely not cause any mishap? That amount is 0 drops of alcohol! You just need a moment of tipsy unmindfulness to (car-)wreck your life! And a traffic accident is not the only kind of accident that can happen.

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