Why does Sheng Zhen Men's Master Ji Gong not drink alcohol?

Sheng Zhen Men's Master Ji Gong mainly teaches cultivation of the heart, understanding principles, and developing wisdom. He does not need alcohol to express freedom and humor. But this concerns his teaching emphasis, not an absolute refusal of alcohol in every setting.

I once asked why he did not drink when the familiar image of Ji Gong often holds alcohol. He explained through 'everyone is drunk but I alone remain awake,' saying the drinking and eccentric appearance had symbolic meaning. Since people already knew this image, he no longer needed drinking or drunkenness to express it. He could still speak humorously and make everyone smile knowingly.

He holds prayer beads, emphasizing recitation and cultivating thoughts. The atmosphere and speech may be relaxed and enjoyable, while the focus remains helping people understand principles and how to learn and practice.

On one pilgrimage, another temple offered wine according to local etiquette, which our Master Ji Gong first politely declined. Later, difficulties arose in requesting blessings, followed by communication, another offering of wine, and explanation. I learned that different methods have different customs, and interaction requires respect for etiquette and learning to explain clearly.

On another occasion, he said earlier drinking accommodated the customs of the time and helped him mingle with people. For teaching now, people already know him, so alcohol is unnecessary to bridge distance. Yet when invited among friends, he might still drink out of courtesy. That differs from using alcohol to create a teaching image.

I therefore distinguish a symbolic taste from genuine excessive drinking and loss of decorum. Dao Shun shared seeing a medium drink heavily in childhood and later speak inappropriately, causing discomfort and doubts about faith. I believe we must return to character and teaching rather than call uncontrolled drinking an expression of Ji Gong's freedom.