Laura Smith
The idea that Buddha ate psychedelic mushrooms is a topic of interest for some. Some people believe that the Buddha's last meal, provided by Cunda, included a type of truffle or mushroom that caused his fatal illness. However, there is no evidence to support this theory, and it is considered unfounded. In fact, Buddha is believed to have told his followers not to consume substances that cause heedlessness, which could include alcohol and drugs. Additionally, in his study of the sutras, one follower could not find any mention of Buddha instructing his students to use psychedelics. While some modern Buddhists may choose to use psychedelics as a tool for spiritual exploration, it does not appear to be a practice that was encouraged or endorsed by the Buddha himself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Did Buddha consume mushrooms? | There is no evidence that Buddha consumed mushrooms. |
| Theories about Buddha's last meal | Some theories suggest that Buddha's last meal was a type of truffle or mushroom, but these theories are considered unfounded. |
| Buddha's teachings on psychedelics | There are no passages in the sutras where Buddha instructed his students to use psychedelics. |
| Personal experiences with mushrooms | Some individuals have shared their positive experiences with mushrooms, finding them a good tool to get in touch with themselves and nature. |
| Impact on spiritual practice | Some people combine the use of mushrooms with their spiritual practice, such as meditation, and find it enhances their meditation experiences. |
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What You'll Learn
Buddha's last meal
The Buddha's last meal has been the subject of much speculation and debate. It is believed that the meal was offered to him by Cunda (or Chunda) Kammāraputta, a smith, while the Buddha visited his mango grove in Pāvā on his way to Kuśīnagara.
The meal is said to have consisted of sweet rice, cakes, and a dish called sukara-maddava or sūkaramaddava. This term has been translated differently, with some sources suggesting it refers to tender pork or boar meat, while others interpret it as "pig's delight," suggesting it could be a type of mushroom, truffle, or even a yam or tuber. The Buddha is thought to have sensed that something was wrong with the sukara-maddava and asked that any leftovers be buried.
Shortly after consuming this meal, the Buddha suffered from severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, and fatal dysentery. Some have speculated that the Buddha died from food poisoning, either from bad pork or poisonous mushrooms. However, Dr. Mettanando Bhikkhu refutes this theory, arguing that the Buddha suffered from mesenteric infarction, a condition common in old age, which can be caused by a blocked artery supplying blood to the small intestines.
Despite his illness, the Buddha remained mindful and aware, enduring the pain without complaint. He even gave a Dharma talk to his host before taking his leave. The Buddha's last words were a teaching to his monks, urging them to strive on with earnestness in the face of change and decay.
In his final moments, the Buddha was concerned about Cunda, instructing his disciple Ānanda to visit him and assure him that the meal had nothing to do with his illness. He told Ānanda to convey to Cunda that offering the Buddha his last meal before passing away was of equal importance as offering his first meal before attaining Buddhahood.
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Buddha's teachings
There is no evidence that the Buddha consumed mushrooms. However, some believe that he died from eating poisonous mushrooms, although this theory is unfounded. The Buddha's last meal was offered to him by Cunda, a smith, and it consisted of pork or boar meat. Shortly after this meal, the Buddha suffered from fatal dysentery, which could have been Clostridial necrotizing enteritis due to a high-protein diet.
Another key teaching is the concept of the Middle Way, which encourages a path of moderation between extremes. This teaching arose from the Buddha's own experiences of extreme asceticism and indulgence, and he realized that neither extreme brought true happiness or liberation. The Middle Way encourages finding balance and avoiding extremes in thoughts, words, and actions.
Meditation and mindfulness are also essential aspects of Buddha's teachings. He taught various meditation techniques, such as mindfulness of breath, loving-kindness meditation, and insight meditation, to calm the mind, develop concentration, and gain insight into the true nature of reality. Through meditation, practitioners can cultivate wisdom, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the self and the world.
In addition to spiritual teachings, Buddha also emphasized the importance of ethical conduct. The Five Precepts form the basis of Buddhist ethics and include refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants. These guidelines provide a framework for moral behavior and encourage respect for all beings and responsible conduct.
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Buddha's death
The death of Gautama Buddha, also known as Parinirvana or Complete Nirvana, is one of the most important days in the history of Buddhism. The exact date of Buddha's death is uncertain, with dates ranging from 833 BCE to 448-368 BCE.
According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha attained Parinirvana after preaching the teachings of Buddhism for around 45 years at the age of 80. During this time, he travelled extensively and passed down his knowledge of Nirvana. However, due to old age and constant travelling, he became ill with dysentery and was in great pain. Despite his illness, Buddha continued to meditate and find comfort in his practice.
On his journey to Kushinagar, Buddha asked his cousin and disciple, Ananda, not to blame Cunda, a smith who had offered him his last meal, for his illness. Buddha believed that the meal was not the cause of his illness and that Cunda should feel no blame nor remorse.
When Buddha and Ananda reached Kushinagar, Buddha asked Ananda to prepare a couch between two trees. Before entering Parinirvana, Buddha advised the Buddhist monks to keep the order of the monks and assured them that they would attain Enlightenment. He also told Ananda not to grieve his death but to strive for his own good. Buddha's last words were: "Behold now, bikkhus, I declare to you: all conditioned things are of a nature to decay. Strive on with earnestness."
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Magic mushrooms and the Buddha Dharma
The use of magic mushrooms and other psychedelics has been a topic of discussion among Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism. Some people have shared their experiences with psychedelics, such as Ayahuasca and psilocybin mushrooms, and how they have helped them in their spiritual practice and journey towards enlightenment. For example, one person described feeling a deep connection with nature and experiencing a sense of peace and release from old grudges after consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
However, it is important to note that there is no evidence that the Buddha himself used psychedelics or instructed his students to do so. In fact, one individual who studied the sutras could not find any mention of the Buddha advocating the use of psychedelics. Additionally, the fifth precept in Buddhism clearly advises against consuming alcohol or any substance that causes heedlessness, which could include psychedelics like magic mushrooms.
The Buddha's teachings focus on careful, concentrated observation of the mind and its workings, and anything that distracts from this path is considered a diversion. This includes substances like alcohol, drugs, and even caffeine. Some Buddhists view the use of psychedelics as a diversion from the true path of Buddhism and believe that it is not necessary to achieve enlightenment or a deeper spiritual connection.
While there may be individuals who find value in combining psychedelics with their spiritual practice, it is important to approach these substances with caution and be aware of the potential risks involved. Ultimately, the decision to use psychedelics is a personal one, and it is up to each individual to determine whether it aligns with their interpretation of the Buddha Dharma.
In conclusion, while magic mushrooms and other psychedelics may offer insights and experiences that feel spiritually significant, they are not a necessary or inherent part of the Buddha Dharma. The path to enlightenment, as taught by the Buddha, involves mindfulness, discipline, and careful observation of the mind, rather than the use of substances that alter the mind.
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The fifth precept
There are various interpretations of the fifth precept. Some teachers say that the precept only forbids the "selling" of alcohol. Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh interprets the precept to mean a total prohibition against consuming alcohol or any other intoxicant, including certain media. Other teachers, particularly Zen Buddhists, understand the fifth precept to mean refraining from any addictive or compulsive behavior that intoxicates the mind, such as pornography, gambling, shopping, overeating, and overconsumption of media.
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Frequently asked questions
It is believed that Buddha did not eat mushrooms as there is no mention of him instructing his students to use psychedelics in the sutras. However, some people believe that his last meal was a type of truffle.
Buddha's last meal was offered to him by Cunda, a smith. It is believed that the meal consisted of pork, which is a type of meat that Buddha was allowed to consume as it was not specifically killed for him.
No, Buddha did not die because of his last meal. He suffered from fatal dysentery, which could have been Clostridial necrotizing enteritis due to a high-protein (meat) diet.
After his last meal, Buddha asked Ananda to get him some water from a nearby stream. He also told Ananda to inform Cunda that his meal had nothing to do with his illness and that he should feel no blame or remorse.
Buddha's last words were, "Behold now, bikkhus, I declare to you: all conditioned things are of a nature to decay. Strive on with earnestness."
