<p>Food substances like Water, Carbohydrates, Fats, Sugar, Protein, Minerals, Vitamins etc. don't violate the 5th precept. They actually nourish the body, if taken in appropriate quantities. That is helpful for the development of the mind as well. Is there anything specific you are referring to?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-24T14:55:22.983Z
oh i commented down there... new to the site.
A Nonimous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-24T16:27:21.783Z
Sati is not recollection. Sati is awareness. Buddhism promotes the right awareness. One can exercise the mind to increase memory capacity. While using a supplement for it does not break the 5th precept, it can cause an addiction. An addiction can be a hindrance to the progress in the path.
Sankha Kulathantille
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-24T16:56:28.480Z
Recollection of being attentive to the four foundations of satipatthana might help give a better understanding of my meaning (or view of sati).
A Nonimous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-22T15:26:40.073Z
2014-08-22T15:26:40.073Z
Sankha Kulathantille
<p>Such a substance already does exist, it is called <em>Camellia sinensis</em> also known as ... regular tea! This traditional drink of Zen-Buddhist monks stimulates the mind and enhances one's ability to stay mindful, without causing intoxication or carelessness.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>The biographical tradition is littered with apocryphal tales about
  Bodhidharma's life and circumstances. In one version of the story, he
  is said to have fallen asleep seven years into his nine years of
  wall-gazing. Becoming angry with himself, he cut off his eyelids to
  prevent it from happening again. According to the legend, as his
  eyelids hit the floor the first tea plants sprang up; and thereafter
  tea would provide a stimulant to help keep students of Chán awake
  during meditation. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhidharma" rel="nofollow">Wikipedia</a>)</p>
</blockquote>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-24T14:38:29.977Z
Sankha... what im specifically talking about is irrelevant. But the question clears up the use of all kinds of herbal supplements in oriental holistic practices. Take ginko for example... no intoxication, increases bloodtlow to the brain which is said to enhance mental capacity and aid in memory... Sati = Recollection... a faculty of memory.
A Nonimous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-23T00:36:57.790Z
2014-08-23T00:41:59.437Z
2014-08-23T00:41:59.437Z
Andriy Volkov
<p>Given that the fifth precept specifically refers to substances that cause "intoxication and carelessness", such a hypothetical substance would of course not violate it, no. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-24T14:59:02.513Z
I didnt think so. Thanks Bhante. I e been getting a lot of benifit from Monk Radio and all your videos, so thanks for that also... :0)
A Nonimous
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-22T15:39:20.110Z
2014-08-22T15:39:20.110Z
yuttadhammo
<p>this subject is so controversial i cant get a solid explanation.
i am retrying an attempt to find better advice on the subject of continuing unorthodox methods that are controversial if they are truly of benefit to the individuals practice. (even if they may commonly be detrimental to others.)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-22T14:52:05.187Z
'truly of benefit to the individuals practice'? could you explain this point?
Rabbit
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-24T15:02:32.157Z
as in... it helps... with practice.
A Nonimous
<five-precepts><mindfulness>
If a substance enhanced the ability to stay mindful, and didnt cause intoxication or carelessness, would it still violate the fifth precept?
# If a substance enhanced the ability to stay mindful, and didnt cause intoxication or carelessness, would it still violate the fifth precept?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-08-22)

this subject is so controversial i cant get a solid explanation.
i am retrying an attempt to find better advice on the subject of continuing unorthodox methods that are controversial if they are truly of benefit to the individuals practice. (even if they may commonly be detrimental to others.)

**Tags:** five-precepts, mindfulness

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: 'truly of benefit to the individuals practice'? could you explain this point?  
> **username_0**: as in... it helps... with practice.  

---

## 3 answers

### Answer by username_4 on 2014-08-22. Score: 4

Given that the fifth precept specifically refers to substances that cause "intoxication and carelessness", such a hypothetical substance would of course not violate it, no.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: I didnt think so. Thanks Bhante. I e been getting a lot of benifit from Monk Radio and all your videos, so thanks for that also... :0)  

---

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-08-22. Score: 2

Food substances like Water, Carbohydrates, Fats, Sugar, Protein, Minerals, Vitamins etc. don't violate the 5th precept. They actually nourish the body, if taken in appropriate quantities. That is helpful for the development of the mind as well. Is there anything specific you are referring to?

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: oh i commented down there... new to the site.  
> **username_2**: Sati is not recollection. Sati is awareness. Buddhism promotes the right awareness. One can exercise the mind to increase memory capacity. While using a supplement for it does not break the 5th precept, it can cause an addiction. An addiction can be a hindrance to the progress in the path.  
> **username_0**: Recollection of being attentive to the four foundations of satipatthana might help give a better understanding of my meaning (or view of sati).  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2014-08-23. Score: 2

Such a substance already does exist, it is called *Camellia sinensis* also known as ... regular tea! This traditional drink of Zen-Buddhist monks stimulates the mind and enhances one's ability to stay mindful, without causing intoxication or carelessness.

> The biographical tradition is littered with apocryphal tales about
> Bodhidharma's life and circumstances. In one version of the story, he
> is said to have fallen asleep seven years into his nine years of
> wall-gazing. Becoming angry with himself, he cut off his eyelids to
> prevent it from happening again. According to the legend, as his
> eyelids hit the floor the first tea plants sprang up; and thereafter
> tea would provide a stimulant to help keep students of Chán awake
> during meditation. ([Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhidharma))

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Sankha... what im specifically talking about is irrelevant. But the question clears up the use of all kinds of herbal supplements in oriental holistic practices. Take ginko for example... no intoxication, increases bloodtlow to the brain which is said to enhance mental capacity and aid in memory... Sati = Recollection... a faculty of memory.  

---

