12 Steps on Buddha's Path: Bill, Buddha, and We

by Laura S., Sylvia Boorstein (Foreword)

12 Steps on Buddha's Path is an inspiring firsthand account of what happens when life seems hopeless and the miracle of finding out that it's anything but.

The author describes her own journey of recovery from alcoholism - an astonishing passage through strange and frightening territory - and marks out the path that allowed her to emerge from that darkness as a wise and compassionate person living a life that is joyous and free. This book is a powerful and enriching synthesis of the 12-Step recovery programs and the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism. It is sure to appeal to anyone touched by addiction, including those looking for new ways to understand and work with the tried-and-true 12-Step system. Tens of millions of Americans suffer from alcoholism and other forms of dependence, and 12 Steps on Buddha's Path offers hope and help for any one of them.

Though writing anonymously out of deep respect for 12-Step policies, the author is in fact a well-known professional author, deeply involved in the recovery and meditation communities.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Addiction, Self Help, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2006

Reviews

[Steve Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been delving into the relationship between Buddhism and the 12 Steps. It's working out to be a fascinating journey, confirming all my intuitions. There is a bit about now. Here's one you mightfind useful.
"12 Steps on the Buddhas Path: Bill Buddha and We" Laura S. The first part of this book is her story. She is a middle class professional (no doubt Democrat) American female Control Queen, so the story part is full of 1950' leave it to beaver type shmulz. She called her HP "Honey Pie" for Christ's sake.

Having said that, she has a brain and more than a passing understanding of Buddhist teaching. She draws some interesting parallels and tie's the 12 Steps and Buddhist teachings together well in quite a few places. It's worth a read, you can safely skip Chapetrs 1 and 2, if it wasn't for my stubborn nature I might have binned it, but I persevered. Glad I did!

[Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Equally moving (as in to tears) and irritating. One wishes for a more thorough understanding of Buddhism. And though Ms S. remains anonymous there is an unrecognized streak of ego that is sometimes laughable. But I will try not to take her inventory. It accomplished one important goal: I am much more curious about Buddhism.

[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is blowing my mind. Can't get enough of it.
Really really loved. The only thing I didn't love is that it seemed to end too abruptly. ?

[C]

A worthwhile book that contains a few really lovely gems. Feels more like a catalogue or series of essays on recovery and Buddhism, rather than a narrative driven account.

[janet Kingston-Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

I happened upon this book aand am so glad that I did: This is the clearest and most helpful explanation of the link between the 12 steps programme and Buddhism.

[Sue Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

[Elizabeth Lozano · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is alright ; serviceable. Some good reminders of things to practice.

[Walter Schlillinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Best

Combining AA and Buddhism is not new but this well written book presents in clarity how the principles of AA and Buddhism can lead to a very solid spiritual life Once one has completed the 12 steps this book can be used as a stepping stone to a fulfilling spiritual life
The book is divided into two parts the first the story of the anonymous author's experience in living the 12 steps and the second part deals how Buddhism can help the addict live and practice his/her sp

[Lanie]

This is a wonderful book, that I am not quite done with yet. It beautifully tells the tale of one woman's spiritual quest while working the 12 steps of AA. It has been thought provoking for me. and helped me to clarify my own thinking about my spiritual life.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly spiritual and helpful through my own recovery from addictions. I especially loved the synthesis between Buddhism and the 12 steps which just exemplified each message of how to live life properly, with love for oneself and for all beings.

[Georgiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book... although I came away from it feeling in need of a 'buddhism for dummies' guide. Also, it's not actually by Sylvia Boorstein (who wrote the forward), but by an AA member who has chosen to remain anonymous.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked her succinct description of metta meditation practice...great stuff for people in 12 step programs who are looking for a different way to express their spirituality.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading currently.

Itr is one womans journey and weaves her experience stregth and hope in many areas together well...i like her voice is all

[SGK · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading now....so far so good

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good blend of recovery and budhist wisdom.