Madyavirati, Madya-virati: 1 definition

Introduction:

Madyavirati means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Madyavirati in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Madyavirati (मद्यविरति) refers to the “abstention from liquor ” according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXII).—Accordingly, “There are three kinds of wine: i) cereal wine (surā), ii) fruit wine (phalamadya), iii) herb wine (oṣadhimadya). They should not be consumed, and this is what is called abstaining from liquor (madyavirati). Wine can combat cold (śīta), strengthen the body and rejoice the mind. Why not drink it? Answer: The benefits of wine for the body are very rare, but the damages (upaghāta) are very numerous. This is why it should not be drunk. Wine is like excellent food into which poison has been mixed”.

Mahayana book cover
context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

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