Over the last 8 months, I found myself returning to 12 step meetings...
Yup, 17 years plus clean and sober and still going to those dang meetings. It may seem odd being a Buddhist (not praying for things outside of oneself) and attending 12 step recovery meetings that focus on getting out of self, turning over one's will and finding a power greater than oneself. It's one of those conundrums that defines me.
I converted to Nichiren Buddhism after the first 18 months of recovery. A Christian concept of a higher power was not working for this Diva. I needed to find a religious philosophy that would help me find a conscious connection to the universe rather than to an individual deity. I also had trouble buying the concept of "God's will"-- too much like fatalism to me (the statement "it's my karma" has that same fatalistic tone to me). The Lotus Sutra seemed positively revolutionary to me, presenting me with a world view that would empower me to challenge myself and my environment. Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo enabled me to "work my steps" (doing personal inventory, looking at my shortcomings, making amends and continuing a spiritual journey).
I have spent most of my recovery and Buddhist practice living away from "the Center" of the organization. Most recently I have faced major physical, emotional and spiritual obstacles that forced me to look beyond the SGI. I continue with my Buddhist practice but have also needed to return to "live" 12 step meetings. Although I have been connected to other "recovering Buddhists" via the Internet, there are none locally.
So I return to AA for the comraderie, remembering what it was like (a whole 'nuther story), what kinds of conscious choices I need to make to stay sane and sober on a daily basis. Now I am even thinking of returning to Alanon (the fellowship for friends and family members of alcoholics). Looking for helpful information and support in every venue.
Dr. Mimi
Posted by drmimi at August 10, 2004 04:36 PMHmm. Reading this I realize how lucky I was. Back in the early 80's I was drinking at least a six-pack and several shots every night -- that was just maintenance. Frequently, I drank a LOT more. In 84 I started chanting, and the drugs and alcohol just sort of drifted out of my life over the next few years. Today I have an occassional beer, but never more than two, because I tend to fall asleep in the middle of the second.
My sister, who inherited the same gene I did from our Dad, was not so lucky. Two years ago she was stricken with Wernicke's encephalopathy. She can't walk and her speech is slurred. Fortunately, she does not have Korsakoff syndrome and retains most of her mental faculties. I still feel bad that I was never able to shakunuku her. - Brian
Dr. Mimi -
Here are a couple of things which may be of interest:
The website is called the Keeping It Simple Recovery Site and can be found at http://www.kischat.com
The Buddhist Recovery Forum appears as part of the broader discussion forum at the site. You can view the site as a guest, but full membership gets you the ability to post or reply to messages yourself. Membership is free (you can be as anonymous as you wish), and only takes a few minutes to set-up.
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I am currently involved with a friend who is putting together a book for potential publication covering recovery from a Buddhist perspective. There are already a number of publishers interested, and it should hopefully be picked up in the new year.
Somewhat like the Big Book of AA, he is wanting a number of personal recovery stories from a wide range of contributors to include at the rear of the book. Stories are to be written in much the same format as the big book, but emphasis is also to be given as to how you have incorporated Buddhism or Buddhist practise into your recovery. The suggested length for the stories is anywhere from 4-24 pages.
Those of you who are potentially interested can email Paul Saintlan, who is the author of the book. His email address is Paul@icecalm.com
Contributions will remain the copyright of the author, and any potential payment if included in potential publication will be negioated with Paul & the publishers concerned. Any further queries you may have about either the stories required or general queries on the book itself can be emailed to Paul.
I encourage anyone who meets the criteria to send their story to Paul. I have already provided my own story, and can vouch that the book if published will be a valuable guide to anyone so interested in a Buddhist perspective on recovery from addiction.
***from Bodhi at E-Sangha****
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett