Gurmat view on intoxicants
Wine, alcohol, recreational drugs (such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, PCP) and other intoxicants (such as inhalants, gases, aerosols, or solvents, glue, etc) used with the intention of creating or enhancing recreational or religious experience are condemned by the Sikh Gurus. Such users of drugs are wasting their lives on the planet by living in an illusionary state. The Guru supports the person who stays alert and aware, keeping themselves away from all types of intoxicants; Gurbani states in the Guru Granth Sahib that "Those who do not use intoxicants are true; they dwell in the Court of the Lord.(1)" (SGGS p 15)
Drugs commonly considered capable of recreational use include alcohol and tobacco, and drugs within the scope of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Psychopharmacologist Ronald K. Siegel refers to intoxication as the "fourth drive", arguing that the human instinct to seek mind-altering substances (psychoactive drugs) has so much force and persistence that it functions like the human desire to satisfy hunger, thirst and the need for shelter.[1]
- Gurmat is against Paan Supari, or any Intoxicant related to Tobacco. Other religions are also against items related to tobacco.
- While Alcohol, poppy and other drugs have not been directly prohibited by Gurbani, as the Sikh gurus knew that these are also used for medicinal purposes, but guru sahib said Excess in anything is bad and the truth is that using alcohol, heroine, meth amphetamines and other recreational drugs result in misery, suffering and untold numbers of deaths (drinking and driving for one). The costs of such behavior to the family, community and society at large (in medical bills alone) daily give evidence to the wisdom of the Sikh Gurus in prohibiting the use of such intoxicants and mind altering drugs.
External links
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