Quote:
Originally Posted by John Freestone  If your 'most valid indicator of sound philosophy' is 'feeling good' then opiates or other drugs would be valid ways of proceeding towards greater knowledge, wouldn't they? An alcoholic, beginning to feel a little low, would be well advised to grab a bottle and drink deep of the fountain of wisdom. |
Tsk tsk, you are a very bad influence, John. Certainly hazardous to impressionable young persons who read this forum.
Anyway, back to the topic. I advise all serious LOA practitioners to stay away from all mind-altering substances such as opiates or alcohol. Why?
The reason is very simple. Buddha gave it 2,500 years ago.
Alcohol affects the clarity of your mind. Therefore it is an impediment and an obstacle to all paths which involve meditation. That includes the LOA. What you want, as far as possible, is a calm, clear mind with as high a degree of control and awareness as possible. Alcohol and drugs do not help that.
Personally I rarely drink alcohol (probably less than 8 times a year) and I have never taken illicit drugs.
As a matter of fact, I only drink water; orange juice; apple juice; watermelon juice; pineapple juice and soy bean milk. But you don't have to go that far.