Buddhist recovery manuals, a genre that has emerged in the last 30 years, aim to use Buddhist ideas and practices to address the challenges of addiction. These books draw on classical Buddhist thought and Twelve-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Both of these influences share the framework of a step-wise path of transformation from a state of maladaptive compulsion to a state of freedom. This article analyzes the paths laid out by these Buddhist recovery manuals and compares them to classical Buddhist and Twelve-Step paths.
Hear members share about recovery in A.A.
Members throughout the world live and stay away from that “first drink” one day at a time. He objected, citing the religious aspects of AA’s 12-step program, which has its origins in a Christian group, per the group’s FAQ page. United rejected his suggestion of https://sober-house.org/the-difference-between-alcohol-and-ethanol/ using the Buddhism-based peer-support group Refuge Recovery as an alternative, the commission said. United Airlines will pay $305,000 to a Buddhist pilot who refused to attend meetings organised by the Christian-focused Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, program.
Three Buddhists Walked Into an AA Meeting …and got sober. Paperback – August 25, 2016
According to Buddhist lore, the Buddha often emphasized that the end of suffering begins when one admits his imperfections and takes the necessary steps to rectify them. However, once that person reaches enlightenment – that is, he truly knows the cause of his suffering and sweeps away all material attachments – he ends his cycle and attains nirvana, which is the state of enlightenment and true happiness. Call it a religion, a philosophy, a way of life, or whatever, but it cannot be denied that its teachings translate very well insofar as knowing the origin of, and treating addiction. With sharing that reflects the boundless range of belief (and non-belief) among A.A.
Tam Po Shek and Wing Chi Ip: Refreshing the Soul and the Senses by Playing the Flute and Drinking Tea
- Members explain how Alcoholics Anonymous works and what to expect in meetings.
- Has helped millions recover from alcoholism – to get sober and stay sober.
- Theravada, Zen, Tibetan, and Nichiren, my friends have all found ways to mutually practice their particular Buddhist traditions and the Twelve Steps.
- In 2017, the Buddhist Recovery Summit was held in Washington State.
- Both of these influences share the framework of a step-wise path of transformation from a state of maladaptive compulsion to a state of freedom.
Several years ago I read an op-ed piece in a North American Buddhist magazine in which the author—never mind that he became sober through Alcoholics Anonymous—decided that AA is no longer a good fit for Buddhists to find sobriety. Sober for 32 years now, this has not been my experience. I fault the editor for printing the op-ed as written. It’s a good thing when they print pieces about Buddhist-based recovery programs; but not by denigrating AA, a program that has helped millions become sober over the past almost 84 years.
Top reviews from the United States
If your drinking is out of control, A.A. Sharing his secret to enlightenment with his followers, the Buddha emphasized eight steps a person should follow and practice if he wishes to attain nirvana. Known as the Noble Eightfold Path, this collective set of teachings can help those who want to free themselves from the endless cycle of suffering, cocaine abuse and addiction death, and rebirth. For people who want to curb their addiction for good, you’re not required to be a Buddhist to practice and benefit from its teachings. Just knowing and following the main principles – especially the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path – can definitely help you in your road towards an addiction-free life.
We may have different techniques, but we have a common goal. From what my friends tell me, Refuge Recovery is a sincere and dedicated program. If you found and maintained your recovery there, or in any other Buddhist-based program, I’m happy for your success. In fact, one of my AA sponsees attends both AA and Refuge Recovery meetings. Because of AA’s Tradition 10 (AA has no opinion on outside issues), he doesn’t talk about Refuge Recovery in AA meetings.
Around that same time, some 91 per cent of Americans considered themselves Christian. Of course the Big Book would come off with a Christian tone. I’m disappointed, however, to see few magazine articles and opinion pieces by Buddhists who have found https://rehabliving.net/6-steps-to-quit-drinking-on-your-own/ long-term recovery in AA. It’s in forums such as magazines where one can carry on (anonymously of course) meaningful dialogues about Buddhism and AA. I yearn to learn more about practicing the Buddhist Way and the Twelve-Step Way together.
Members — including Buddhism, Islam, Native American faith traditions, and atheism and agnosticism — this pamphlet shows how Alcoholics Anonymous is a spiritual organization, rather than a religious one. My first teacher, John Tarrant Roshi, would often say that Zen does not require one to believe in anything. I remember when we were talking about what may be the most important statement in the Big Book, that one can have a Higher Power of one’s very personal understanding, and he said, “Good Zen book! ” His statement surprised me, but over the years I have found it to be true. “Employers have the affirmative obligation to modify their policies to accommodate employees’ religious beliefs,” Jeffrey Burstein, the EEOC New York regional attorney, said.
A.A.’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics to achieve sobriety. You can just sit and listen and learn more about recovery, or you can share about your situation. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, or profession. You don’t have to pay anything to attend.
Members explain how Alcoholics Anonymous works and what to expect in meetings. Learn about sponsorship and home groups, and how the Twelve Steps can help you recover from alcoholism and live without drinking. A.A.’s primary purpose is for members to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Has been helping alcoholics recover for more than 80 years. A.A.’s program of recovery is built on the simple foundation of one alcoholic sharing with another.