Human beings are a mixture of virtues and vices. Noble individuals adopt the virtues of others and do not absorb their vices. A person remains great in society only as long as they cultivate and maintain unique virtues, embracing the good and abandoning the bad:
“ਗੁਣਾ ਕਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਵਾਸੁਲਾ ਕਢਿ ਵਾਸੁ ਲਈਜੈ ॥
ਜੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਸਾਜਨਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਝ ਕਰੀਜੈ ॥
ਸਾਝ ਕਰੀਜੈ ਗੁਣਹ ਕੇਰੀ ਛੋਡਿ ਅਵਗਣ ਚਲੀਐ ॥
ਪਹਿਰੇ ਪਟੰਬਰ ਕਰਿ ਅਡੰਬਰ ਆਪਣਾ ਪਿੜੁ ਮਲੀਐ ॥” (ਅੰਗ ੭੬੫, ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ)
A person full of vices, when in the company of virtuous people, may sometimes abandon their vices and begin walking on the path of greatness.
Faith, steadfastness, and determination remain part of one’s virtues only if the mind is strong and does not rely on intoxicants. A mind’s own thoughts are its true support. Even a pious person, if they begin consuming intoxicants, will cease to remain virtuous. Faith and determination cannot arise from any intoxicant.
Intoxicants are food for a weak mind, and their use weakens both mind and body further. Slowly, they reduce mental and physical strength to the extent that the addict becomes entirely absorbed in the act of consuming the intoxicant. Their determination and firmness are destroyed.
Intoxicants reveal hidden vices within the mind. The body begins to fully support the addicted mind, and many evil deeds and crimes occur while under the influence.
Even if an addicted person wins in a game, they cannot truly experience the pride of victory; they may be declared unfit and removed from the game.
An addict cannot display true courage; at most, one can expect reckless behavior. Intoxication upsets mental and physical balance. A person may feel brave enough to drive fast while drunk, but this does not achieve anything—it only increases the risk of accidents.
Promises made under the influence of intoxicants cannot be trusted. Agreements made in intoxication are often declared invalid in court.
Addicts often become lustful and commit grave sins. Religious responsibilities cannot be expected of them. How can any meaningful expectation be placed on an addict? They cannot even operate a machine properly.
Warriors under the influence often forget high standards of honor, commit atrocities, kill the weak, and violate women. Addicts are often selfish, corrupt, and deceitful.
No society or state openly permits public use of intoxicants. While many governments today allow licensed areas, these exceptions only highlight that intoxication is not a good deed and is not truly approved.
Governments should aim to gradually reduce public dependence on alcohol and intoxicants, even if the sale or taxation of alcohol is economically beneficial. In principle, every government is opposed to intoxication. Labels on intoxicant packages highlight their harmful effects. Users consume at their own risk.
No one can forcibly stop another from using intoxicants, but wise people understand subtle guidance. Efforts to rescue someone from addiction work best through internal motivation rather than compulsion.
Awareness campaigns against intoxicants are effective, but enforcement of laws and regulations is even more important, as the saying goes: “Reward the wise, punish the foolish.”
Countries that have reached the heights of development are strict about law enforcement, leaving no room for leniency. Comparing India and foreign countries can illustrate this well. In India, drunk drivers may escape consequences through bribery. In Canada, drunk drivers are fined heavily, licenses are revoked, and bribery attempts lead to additional penalties.
Even simple rules, like cleaning up after pets in public parks, carry strict fines abroad. Open urination can lead to removal from the area.
The discussion here focuses only on intoxicants. The Sikh community is brave, but Sikhism strictly prohibits intoxicants, whether alcohol or otherwise. Sri Guru Amardas Ji Maharaj said about alcohol:
“ਮਾਣਸੁ ਭਰਿਆ ਆਣਿਆ ਮਾਣਸੁ ਭਰਿਆ ਆਇ ॥
ਜਿਤੁ ਪੀਤੈ ਮਤਿ ਦੂਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਰਲੁ ਪਵੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਇ ॥
ਆਪਣਾ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਈ ਖਸਮਹੁ ਧਕੇ ਖਾਇ ॥
ਜਿਤੁ ਪੀਤੈ ਖਸਮੁ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਜਾਇ ॥
ਝੂਠਾ ਮਦੁ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਪੀਚਈ ਜੇ ਕਾ ਪਾਰਿ ਵਸਾਇ ॥” (ਅੰਗ ੫੫੪, ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ)
Sikh history shows that Guru Sahib and devoted Sikhs never used alcohol to gain victories or celebrate them.
Yet the mind is clever and always finds excuses to justify drinking: to relieve fatigue, as medicine, or to emulate kings and wealthy people. Some even try to rationalize it religiously.
Many young people drink on happy occasions, and sadly, some continue even near death. No matter the excuses, alcohol remains alcohol, and intoxicants remain intoxicants. Believing that one can remain a Sikh while drinking reflects ignorance. Sikh principles never permit alcohol consumption.
History and contemporary media show the destructive effects of intoxicants on human character, family ties, and social life. Bodies addicted to intoxicants commit shameful acts that shock both conscience and society.
Intoxicants can never help build a prosperous society. Children are the foundation of tomorrow’s society, and it is crucial to protect them from addiction and raise awareness about its harmful effects.
Writers and intellectuals have great influence and can help by promoting awareness against intoxicants. Otherwise, mischievous minds will always find excuses to drink. Meaningful articles can strengthen minds and encourage sobriety.
By Joginder Singh Jogi
Translated by Manpreet Kaur.
