Anagārika Jay

Having been married since I was 19 years old (not to the same woman), I now live alone.  There are many things that I have been learning about myself. I am a bit of a clean freak. I say a bit because I only dust, do laundry, and mop and vacuum the floor once weekly. This is not radical, but it is completely different from when I lived with someone. I have also become a minimalist, except with my books. I have only two sets of silverware, two bowls, two cups, and two plates. That is in case my son stops by or I have a friend over.  The thing I most appreciate is, in the words of Richard Byrd, being "able to live exactly as I chose." I can go for a walk, read a book, sleep in, or watch TV whenever I want. It was the freedom I needed.  I am a whole-food vegan who does not add salt, oil, or sugar to the meals I cook. Getting other people to follow this diet is, to say the least, difficult. I don't have to worry about that living alone. I cook for myself. I also have come to b

These are the basic training rules observed by all practicing Buddhists. They are often recited after  taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. 1. I undertake the precept to refrain from killing or harming sentient beings. 2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given. 3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct. 4. I undertake the precept to refrain from false speech. 5. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to heedlessness.

Part of my spirituality includes the five precepts of Buddhism. The fifth precept says to avoid intoxicants that cloud the mind. This includes both drugs and alcohol. For this reason, I don't drink any alcohol. No wine, beer, or hard liquor. In fact, I pretty much only drink water, tea, almond milk, and an occasional Coke Zero. I believe that this is helped me become healthier and lose weight. As I write this, I now weigh 173 lb. This is normal weight for me. It's the first time I've been a normal weight in many, many years. I don't do a lot of socializing, so I have no real pressure to drink. Since becoming a Buddhist, I've only had a beer or two several times. But I haven't had anything for over a year. And I won't have anything in the future. Just like everything else, this is just my journey and my story. I don't preach to anybody, about anything. I just share my story. If it inspires you, great! If it doesn't apply, let it go.