Do not abuse alcohol or luxurious living

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Fourth prohibition

Original term: Fourth prohibition

Transliteration: Fourth prohibition

Literal meaning

Avoid intoxication and indulgence that disorders body, mind or public peace.

Broader interpretation

Avoid intoxication and indulgence that disorders body, mind or public peace.

Historical context

This principle belongs to Cao Dai Five Prohibitions and must be read within that framework's setting.

Practical meaning

Avoid intoxication and indulgence that disorders body, mind or public peace.

Ethical purpose

Avoid intoxication and indulgence that disorders body, mind or public peace.

Exceptions and disputes

Older social assumptions should be distinguished from defensible principles of consent, equality, proportionality and harm prevention.

Variations across schools or traditions

Short summaries often narrow the fourth and fifth prohibitions, while the canonical explanations address wider conduct.

Modern application

Avoid intoxication and indulgence that disorders body, mind or public peace. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.

Criticism and difficult cases

Older social assumptions should be distinguished from defensible principles of consent, equality, proportionality and harm prevention.

Truth By Reason analysis

Avoid intoxication and indulgence that disorders body, mind or public peace. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

• Intoxicants
• Self-control

Sources

• The New Canonical Codes — The Five Prohibitions Primary source