Buddhism and Recovery

January 11th, 2006

As with a lot of people in recovery, the keystone of my sobriety is my relationship with a higher power. I literally had to start from scratch “formulating” the idea of god, let alone trying to develop a relationship with it/him/her. Frankly, I was completely and totally spiritually bankrupt. On my journey I have read and learned heaps and heaps of good stuff while slowly coming to terms with what I believe in and what God’s will meant to me. One of the spiritual/philosophical practices that really appeals to me is that of Buddhism. There’s an amazing library of resources out there for alcoholics and addicts attracted to Buddhism. By far the most compelling and valuable book I’ve read to date is Kevin Griffin’s One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. I just love how cleanly (and simply) he ties the two schools of thought together and makes them easy to understand and practice. The next book I plan to read along this same topic is Noah Levine’s Dharma Punx, which also looks pretty good. Someday, when I get some spare time, I’ll write up reviews on both of these and some of the others I’ve read.

Although, I have no interest in rewriting the 12 steps of AA (they’re working just fine for me the way they are, thank you very much), I did find an interesting interpretation of them on the website for the Lion’s Roar Dharma Center Recovery Group (see below).

The 12 Steps of Liberation

  1. The truth of suffering. We experienced the truth of our addictions – our lives were unmanageable suffering.
  2. The truth of the origin of suffering. We admit that we craved for and grasped onto addictions as our refuge.
  3. The truth of the end of suffering. We came to see that complete cessation of craving and clinging at addictions is necessary.
  4. The truth of the path. We made a decision to follow the way of liberation and to take refuge in our wakefulness, our truth, and our fellowship.
  5. Right view. We made a searching and fearless review of our life. We are willing to acknowledge and proclaim our truth to ourselves, another human being and the community.
  6. Right thought. We are mindful that we create the causes for suffering and liberation. Our goodness is indestructible.
  7. Right speech. We purify, confess and ask for forgiveness straightforwardly and without judgment. We are willing to forgive others.
  8. Right action. We make a list of all persons we harm and are willing and able to actively make amends to them all, unless to do so would be harmful.
  9. Right livelihood. We simplify our lives, realizing we are all interconnected. We select a vocation that supports our recovery.
  10. Right effort. We realize that continuing to follow this path, no matter what, is joyful effort.
  11. Right mindfulness. Through prayer, meditation and action we will follow the path of kindness, being mindful moment by moment.
  12. Right concentration. Open to the spirit of awakening as a result of these steps, we will carry this message to all people suffering with addictions.

If you’re interested in Buddhism and how it can help you in your recovery, you can also check out these sites:
http://www.buddhistrecovery.com/
http://www.dharmapunx.com/index.asp
http://www.kevingriffin.com
http://open-mind.org/News/SH/23.htm
http://www.geocities.com/bodhi_01au/index.html
http://www.viacorp.com/addiction.html
http://www.flatmajic.com/spirituality/Buddhism/buddhismandrecovery.htm

Tags:none Filed under Buddhism, aa, general, recovery, spirituality |

7 Responses to “Buddhism and Recovery”

  1. Trudge on January 12, 2006 1:10 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this!

  2. Rex on January 12, 2006 11:35 pm

    Awesome book. I can totally related. I too was spiritually bankrupt when I arrived at the doors of AA. This book really saved my life because it allowed me to find a way to accept the concept of a Higher Power, which is the backbone of recovery. Another great book is: Cool Water: Alcoholism, Mindfulness, and Ordinary Recovery By William Alexander
    ODAAT, Rex

  3. Rusty on February 14, 2006 10:15 am

    Thanks, Rex, I’ll pick up Cool Water on my next trip to the bookstore! :-)

  4. New Beginnings » “I am fortunate to be alive” on March 23, 2007 2:20 pm

    [...] more wisdom from the Dalai Lama, please see the Zaadz website. For more information on Buddhism and recovery visit Dharma Punx, Kevin Griffith, or Buddhist Recovery. Filed under : recovery, spirituality, aa, [...]

  5. Toby G on April 12, 2007 12:47 am

    Loved both books, as well as Hardcore Zen (a little deviation along the lines of Noah Levine’s book- No recovery but it does have Punk Rock, Buddhism and monster movies! But seriously- decent book) and 12 steps on the Buddha’s path (Bill Buddha and We)by Laura S. Also Claude Anshin Thomas’ “At Hells Gate” is a pretty interesting book dealing with Mr Thomas’ experience in Vietnam and his journey through addiction and PTSD to a life as a Buddhist monk.

  6. Jo on June 12, 2007 5:56 pm

    Hi Rusty,

    Here’s a couple of links for Buddhist 12 step dharma lectures:

    http://www.judithragir.org/12_step_lectures.htm

    http://www.liberationpark.org/audiox/12step.htm

  7. Rusty on June 14, 2007 4:17 pm

    Thanks Jo and Toby G! :-)

Trackback URI | Comments RSS

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind