The Explanation of All the Faults of Intoxicating Slcohol. by Longchenpa

 

The Intelligent Rabbit's Expression of Realization:
the Answer to Questions Like the Sound of the Deity's Drum.

(Derge edition, gtam tshogs, volume Śrī,  fools. 10b7–12a4)

Composed by the Omniscient Longchen Rabjampa Drime Ösal (1308–1364)

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The Supreme Hare Said:

Listen to the explanation of all the faults of intoxicating alcohol,
Which, when relied upon, leads to wrong paths.
It becomes the basis of all non-virtuous actions, afflictions, and carelessness,
And causes the decline of both spiritual and worldly prosperity.

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1. The Demon of Gossip
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of gossip enters the heart.
Secrets are revealed, and idle talk abounds—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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2. The Demon of Blabbering
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of blabbering takes root in the heart.
Arguments, reckless laughter, and mindless singing increase—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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3. The Demon of Craving
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of craving arises in the heart.
Insatiable thirst, with no sense of moderation, dominates—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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4. The Demon of Instability
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of instability takes over the heart.
Speech becomes unreliable, and behavior changes erratically—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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5. The Demon of Forgetfulness
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of forgetfulness emerges in the heart.
Memory fades, and analytical intelligence diminishes—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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6. The Demon of Procrastination
The moment one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of procrastination grips the heart.
Today’s tasks are delayed to tomorrow and beyond—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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7. The Demon of Decline
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of decline seizes the heart.
Even present prosperity swiftly erodes—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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8. The Demon of Loss
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of loss invades the heart.
Focus is scattered, and accomplishments slip away—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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9. The Demon of Destruction
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of destruction descends upon the heart.
Spiritual and worldly abundance are ruined—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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10. The Demon of Disease
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of disease grips the heart.
Illnesses like jaundice, fevers, and plagues proliferate—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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11. The Demon of Impairment
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of impairment clouds the heart.
The purity of senses diminishes, including vision—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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12. The Demon of Bewilderment
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of bewilderment confuses the heart.
Caution is lost, and harmful forces take their chance—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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13. The Demon of Harm
When one drinks, and it enters the stomach,
The demon of harm enters the heart.
Conflict, recklessness, and ruin ensue—
Abstain from intoxicating alcohol from today onwards.

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A Concluding Counsel:

Alcohol, with its myriad faults,
Destroys virtue and disrupts the holy Dharma.
Those seeking supreme liberation should abandon it entirely,
For drinking increases heedlessness and undermines the Three Trainings.

Even in the practice of secret mantra,
Its use is only a method in rare, secret circumstances.
But for all else, it leads to lower realms and dire consequences.
Thus, the wise ones of past and present condemn intoxicants.

Abandon it today—cast away its lure.
May the mind find joy in the virtuous Dharma!

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