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Summary of Question:	Intoxication
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Saturday, 6/17/2000 5:59 AM MDT

since intoxication of all types are banned in sikhism why is it socially acceptable to drink alcohol,consume paan(betel leaves),eat supari but object to smoking?

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REPLY
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Dear One:
Sat Siri Akal.

What is socially acceptable and what is part of the Sikh code are 2 different things! And it presents a real duality to our Sikh youth when the Amritdhari adults in their lives eat betel, smoke and drink. Such people are NOT living their Rehit, don't think for a moment that they are. (I do not know what supari is), but the other items you mentioned fall under the Rehit ban on using addictive substances.

Guruji banned ADDICTIVE substances because they cause dependancy. Our ONLY dependency should be on Guruji. Moreover, a number of these addictive substances (tobacco, alcohol, 'recreational' drugs, betel) can interfere with proper functioning of the mind and can certainly interfere with spiritual growth and the direct EXPERIENCE of Waheguru. Also, they pollute the body temple which is the vehicle through which we experience Waheguru. And, they have numerous bad health effects!

As for your, you will have to decide for yourself if you want to live according to what is socially acceptable or according to the Guru, when the two diverge as you have noted. God bless you!
-DKK