Buddhism & The Twelve Steps Workbook: A Workbook for Individuals and Groups

by Kevin Griffin

Buddhism & The Twelve Steps is a workbook for people in recovery from addiction of any kind.
The book is based on the 12 Steps, intertwining recovery ideas with the Buddhist teachings. Mindfulness is the fundamental tool offered for practice and is presented in the larger context of Buddhist teachings that include the elements of morality and wisdom.
The material is practically oriented, and the voice is a personal. Buddhist teachings are presented in down-to-earth terms that make them accessible to the non-Buddhist reader.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Kevin Griffin is the author of One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps, the breakthrough book that established him as a leader in the mindful recovery movement. Since its publication, Kevin has toured extensively, giving workshops and lectures at places as diverse as Harlem, the Colorado Rockies, and Hawaii. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he teaches “Dharma and Recovery” at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In addition, Kevin is co-founder and board member of the Buddhist Recovery Network (www.buddhistrecovery.org), an international organization that serves people in the recovery community through training, treatment, and research. He continues to offer workshops, lectures, and retreats around the country.

Reviews

[Christopher Lee Falck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! I needed that!

[Patricia]

I'm reading this book as I participate in a Step Study Alanon Meeting and also work through the steps with a sponsor. I've decided to not read ahead beyond where I'm working and studying, so I've only made it through Step 4, but I must say that I'm overjoyed to see how Griffin has joined Buddhist teaching and practice to a Twelve Step Recovery Program. I'd made it through the first 3 Steps when my Sponsor suggested the book. I feel like reading this book deepened my understanding and work with the first 3 steps because it aligned my long time Buddhist practice with Alanon. I was doing some of this on my own but Griffin has given considerable thought to how the two are aligned in ways I'm pretty sure I would never have recognized. Grateful to have found the book and looking forward to how it will enhance my understanding of the remaining steps.

Addendum. Went ahead and finished the book. Lots of great ideas and connections made between Buddhism and the 12 Steps. There was a few times when it felt like he Griffin was reaching too hard to make a connection. I particularly felt that was so in the writing about Step 7, which he equates to letting go and uses to talk about pain and meditation. Still the material was interesting and in many ways a great reminder about how to manage suffering and pain, both physical and emotional.

I definitely recommend this book to folks who are interested in bridging these two approaches to spiritual life.

[Tracie A Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful

Like many others ,I have been changed by the 12 Steps. I do not relate to a Judeo- Christian concept of a higher power. Nor am I a Buddhist. Mr. Griffins 's exploration of spiritual awakening using the 12 Steps is very insightful and useful. I am a recovered alcoholic. I meditate regularly as well as live the Steps and this book is a terrific support for someone who doesn't relate to a HP with a religious label and set of doctrines. Thank you.