Buddhism and 12-step

[Zencat]

Excellent resources posted by sfgirl in the Newcomers to Recovery forum: Buddhism and 12-step. Though I'd post it here so it doesn't get lost.

In fact there are a bunch of 12 Step alternative's here in the Secular 12 Step Recovery forum that would be nice to collect and put in a sticky. I'll work on that.

[desertdonna]

I like Buddhism and the 12 steps. I hope sfgirl's talk went well and she'll tell us all about it.

Thanks, Zen, for bringing it over. How about the other links she posted?

It's all good.

[paulmh]

Hi Zencat just to be clear I don't think that people like Griffin and Alexander are offering alternatives to 12 step. I can't view one of the sites but all the material I've read about buddhism and 12 step has been about how individuals experience can be enhanced by the two traditions.

I know you didn't say that it was an alternative, just noting that there might be some confusion.

[ananda]

As posted in another thread...i've really fallen off on my practice of both the steps and my buddhist practice over the last months....anything like this that might encourage me to get back on track is helpful

[digderidoo]

Thanks Zen, i have just had a look at the thread and it's good.

I have posted about Kevin Griffins website which has some lectures for free that are mp3 downloadable covering the steps and buddhism.

[James13]

In practice of Buddhism, I have realized that being sober is a prerequisite for the journey of living. I am beginning to take comfort in "what is", in what could be perceived "good" or "bad".

At first, I thought Buddhism may rob me of emotion. To the contrary: I recognize emotion even more, and get through them.


Thanks for this thread, Zen.

[Sugah]

I've used Kevin's guided meditation. It's awesome.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[sfgirl]

I read Kevin Griffin's book a couple weeks ago and I highly, highly recommend it.

Otherwise, I just found this so I am passing it along. It is a international directory of Buddhist recovery meetings.

Buddhist Recovery : Meetings

The other thing I heard about are Dharma Punx mediations. I know they have one here in SF. This girl I met went to them in Austin. I am not sure they are exactly recovery based but might be interesting to check out.

Dharma Punx

[jimhere]

I am not a Buddhist, although I do incorporate some Buddhist practices into my spiritual practice.

My roommate is eight years sober and a strong AA member. He also happens to be a practicing Buddhist. I see no conflict in him. In fact it was him who talked me into doing the Vippassanna retreat last year that changed my approach to meditation.
Jim

[FightingIrish]

i just started doing sits. pretty amazing stuff. and the talks relate so much to the program, i think.

[ananda]

glad to hear that irish! the sitting is the most important part, and where i am falling down badly at the moment. It is the basis from which all the rest springs.

I have found budhism to blend with AA adn the 12 steps beaurtifully....I actually don't care much for Kevin Griffith..he is ok....I actually prefer the strictly regular old budhism talks...

When I first came back to AA, about a year before I got sober...my sponsor of the time had me repeat daily .... the most compasionate thing I can do for my self and others is to be sober. I think it was a valuable tool for me in recovering enough to actually get sober.

[paulmh]

I got recovery and my wife got buddhism....

Maybe I should try sitting with her? I've read 12 step and buddhism books and found them refreshing but they haven't really changed my practice - heck, I'm still trying to get a handle on AA spiritual practice without adding something else on. And if my arse was in gear - which it's not - I would rather go back to qi gong which I loved.

I should dig out the dvd and do it again. It's spring time, time to blow off the cobwebs..

[ananda]

I hope you do paul.....and I hope i join you (metaphorically of course). No need for deep philisophical thoughts...just sit.....

Well, you might be careful if she practices with the school that uses sticks! In that case be sure you haven't pissed her off recently before you sit on the cussion (LOL)