TMingyur wrote:We accept in Mahayana that despite of of the rules that have to be followed in order to achieve the best for all beings there still may be aspects in certain contexts that may entail deviation from those rules being compliant with the way of the bodhisattva. But if compliant then these deviations can only be driven by love and compassion for others and never by egocentric motivations. As an example I may mention the use of meat and alcohol in tantric rituals.
Yes, I think that tantric rituals are the most important reasons to deviate from those rules.
I wonder what the Buddhist analysis of this situation would be:
I'm attending a meeting of a social club whose members meet in a bar. I order one beer and drink it slowly for two hours in order to fit in while I chat with people.
Am I "driven by love and compassion" here, or by egocentric motivations? My guess is that it is a mixture of both.
I suppose that I could have some juice and ice in a glass that looks like a mixed drink, but if someone asked me what I was drinking, I would have to answer honestly (lying is not Buddhist!) and that would be awkward.
In general, I avoid bars and find that to be the better solution.
Or another situation:
You're at an office party and you are offered some champagne. Are you showing "love and compassion" by accepting the drink, thanking the person who gave it to you, and drinking it?