I have recently discovered Buddhism and I am now taking it very seriously but I have been smoking for almost a year and I love it. I know that the Fifth Sacrament says that we should not take "intoxicants" but smoking has become part of my lifestyle. What should I do?
Well, I think religious beliefs should be a personal thing and you shouldn't feel like you have to do something (or not do something) because you don't think you fit in with other Buddhists. Interpretation of the word "intoxicants" is also up to you, as it is your choice and nobody else's.
Alot of things such as food are intoxicants, I say don't worry about it. Take everything with a grain of salt.
I personally feel that religions are just guidelines for people to live by. Sure, there are diehard religious people who want to mimic Jesus' every move, but for the rest of us, that's unnecessary. Research everything about a religion, and choose what you want to live by.
yea, a really devout buddhist would tell you that food is an intoxicant. That's why they spend weeks fasting and meditating. Just make yourself happy. If you believe that you need to give up intoxicants (weed definitely is considered one, btw... no matter how you interpret it) to reach true happiness, then you will be better off without it, wont you? i guess if you believe it, try it. See how it works. You can always change your mind.