Most people drink today. Sikhs are no exception. Some of them drink regularly and too much. Because of this, a question is often asked, "Is drinking permissible to the Sikhs? If so, then how much?"
Two different answers are commonly offered:
This article intends to analyze these two contradictory answers.
According to the Rahit Maryada
It is correct that drinking is not included in the four cardinal sins, and this is the reason why some Sikhs think that drinking is not prohibited. There are some minor sins, which we may call omissions, mentioned in the Rahit Maryada. Use of alcohol and other drugs is included in this list. A person, who commits any one of these omissions, stands charge-sheeted (tankhahia). A tankhahia is not required to re-take amrit, but he has to request the Panj Pyaras for being excused for his omission.
According to Those Who Drink
Those who drink argue that no Sikh strictly follows the Rahit Maryada. Every one of us has one or the other shortcoming.
For example:
All these are included in the list of offences. Then why is it that only drinkers are singled out at every stage for condemnation?
Further, they say that Gurbani does not debar drinking. They quote Guru Nanak:
How Much Alcohol May A Sikh Drink?
"Friend! to taste of other than these is to ruin bliss - Such gormandizing as produces torment to the body, And fills with foul thinking the mind."
Guru Granth Sahib, p. 16.
According to them, it is only the misuse of alcohol that is harmful, and hence prohibited. Surely, no one, not even a non-Sikh, should get drunk and lose his self-control, because it is harmful to both body and mind. However, they say, having a social drink, or taking alcohol when one is tired and exhausted, and needs a "tonic," cannot be considered drinking which is prohibited in the Rahit Maryada.
Analysis
Both sides agree that drinking too much and losing self-control is wrong and undesirable.
Regarding social drinking, let us consult Gurbani, which specifically refers to drinking. The following two quotations give a clear judgment on the issue.
Come what may, do not drink alcohol. It makes one ignore God and get punished in His Court. (It gives only a temporary charm, intoxication. Naam-intoxication gives everlasting peace / pleasure). Guru Granth Sahib, p. 554
"Gentlemen do not drink alcohol, even if it is prepared from Ganga-jal (something considered highly sacred which cleanses pollution.)" Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1293.
This advice of Gurbani should be acceptable to all Sikhs, amritdhari or not. However, some still argue, "We live in this world of friends and relatives, whom one cannot give up. One may have to occasionally yield to pressure from friends. This should not be considered a lack of commitment." Actually hidden behind such pressures from `friends' is the feeling of their own guilt. They know that drinking is not a good habit. By making their friends drink they want to overcome that guilt. Then they can console themselves, My friends drink, so they cannot ask me why I drink."
Alcohol in Medicines
There is another argument offered to justify drinking. Most of the liquid medicines use alcohol as a carrier, and these are not prohibited for a Sikh. Therefore, small quantities of alcohol taken for medical purposes, digestion of food or getting over fatigue, etc., cannot be prohibited.
From Gurbani, we find an answer to this as well. Gurbani warns against indulgence in many things that form the routine in the life of man, and are even considered necessary. It says:
"Man is engrossed in the taste of gold, silver, woman, fragrant substances,
Horses, soft beds, mansions, sweet-tasting meals, flesh food:
With all these tastes engrossing the body, how may the Naam find a lodging therein?"
Guru Granth Sahib, p. 15.
In other words, how can one love God, if one is possessed by desire for gold, silver, women, horses, palaces, sweets, meat, etc.? We all know that it is not the use of the above things as such that is disallowed, but the craving for and indulgence in these things that is not approved by Gurbani. Similarly, it is not alcohol or any other food as such which is prohibited in Gurbani; it is the reason for which it is taken that is not approved. We do not have a craving for medicine; we have to take it for our health. On the other hand, we have a craving for alcohol, because of its intoxication (for pleasure and enjoyment). And this is the distinction between taking medicine and drinking alcohol, even if it is in small quantities.
Sometimes, a person also drinks, not because he likes it, but because he wants to satisfy his ego. The image of modern society is that the so-called high-class people drink. Therefore, drinks have to be served at parties to show that one belongs to this `high-class', and be accepted as its member in their social circle.
Both these excuses for drinking, viz., pleasure and ego, are decried in Gurbani.
It must also be added that mere abstention from drinking is not enough to make one a good person. It could even boost one's ego with the feeling, "See! I am great - I do not drink." On the other hand, a man who drinks may be truthful, honest and devoted to the service of society. The emphasis here is on the instructions of Gurbani, regarding the consumption of alcohol by a Sikh, and is not to pass judgment on drinkers or non-drinkers, based on this sole criterion.
Conclusion
Not only the Sikh Rahit Maryada, but also health scientists warn that the use of alcohol is harmful, both for body and mind and it should be avoided.
People start drinking alcohol for the fun of it, but inevitably end up as its slaves. Millions have become alcoholic and ruined not only their own life, but also the lives of their whole family. They all started by taking only a little alcohol, just for `medicinal value.'
Yes, some people may be rare exceptions because of their body chemistry or self-control. But should they be the role models for a Sikh? A sensible decision is, according to Bhai Gurdas, not to follow the few, who have not been hurt. He writes:
"If someone escapes injury in a fall from the roof, it is not right to start jumping from the roof for fun. If Ganaka (a prostitute) was saved, one should not, therefore, take up prostitution as a profession. If a thief is seen moving about unpunished, one should not take it as a license for housebreaking. Hence, one should not misguide oneself following such wrong logic."
One should practice Naam Simran day and night. In this way, one will get in tune with God and follow His Will, and the desire for alcohol and other drugs will cease. Everyone, sooner or later, realizes that drinking is a hindrance or an obstacle in the way of God-realization. If one regularly recites Gurbani, one will discover true happiness, instead of the temporary gaiety alcohol or other drugs give.
Let us show gratitude to our Guru, who gave us the injunction in Gurbani:
Love the true wine - God's Name, by craving only for It. Nothing else is of any avail.
Kabir, the door of salvation is narrow,
Like the one-tenth part of the mustard seed.
How can the soul,
Which has become bulky like an elephant,
Pass through it ?
If man meets such a Guru,
Who becoming mightily pleased,
Shows mercy,
Then spacious becomes the gate of salvation.
Guru Granth Sahib, p. 509