What would the Buddha say to an alcoholic or addict? What could those in recovery offer to the Buddhist path? Kevin Griffin has immersed himself in the Buddhist and Twelve Step traditions, and in One Breath at a Time he gives some surprising and inspiring answers to these questions.The author, a Buddhist meditation teacher and longtime Twelve Step practitioner, weaves his personal story of recovery with traditional Buddhist teachings. The book takes us on a journey through the Steps, examining critical Twelve Step ideas like Powerlessness, Higher Power, and Moral Inventory through the lens of Buddhism. One Breath at a Time presents potent ancient techniques for finding calm and clarity and offers a vision of a Higher Power not tied to traditional Western Judeo-Christian concepts. One Breath at a Time, describes the convergence of two vital traditions, one ancient, the other contemporary, and shows how they are working together to create a rich spiritual path for our times.Certain to resonate with both meditators and those whose mantra is "One day at a time," One Breath at a Time should find a large, welcoming audience.
Outstanding book!August 17, 2008 I am a Zen Buddhist who has struggled in the past with alcohol. For personal and religious reasons, I wish to permanently quit alcohol use. I have tried in the past on my own unsuccesfully, and have recently sought help in this endeavor. I am participating in group counselling at this time. I have never really considered participating in a twelve step program as I have always been under the impression that they (AA) take a decidedly Judeo-Christian bent. This book does a fabulous job of explaining how a Buddhist can succesfully participate in such a program as well as how each of the steps can be interpreted and praciced from the Buddhist point of view. I have not joined a twelve step program as of yet, and may not, but I will definately be more open minded about the possibility after reading this book. Likewise, I have learned important techniques that I can use in my recovery now.
Intriguing PerspectiveJuly 22, 2008 An intriguing perspective on 12 Step programs. Having written a book about walking that fine line between compassion and codependence, I found this book insightful and inspiring. - Rita Schiano, author of Sweet Bitter Love
Combining Buddhism with A.A. and the Twelve Steps: Some Observations and HistoryJuly 21, 2008 1 out of 4 found this review helpful
Nobody in today's A.A. should assume he is entitled to throw rocks at Christianity or atheism or Buddhism.A New Way Out: New Path - Familiar Road Signs - Our Creator's Guidance. A.A. was a Christian Fellowship when it began.The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous. It required acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It required belief in God.The Golden Text of A.A.: God, the Pioneers, and Real Spirituality. And it emphasized Bible study, prayer meetings, and revelation from the Creator as well as reading Christian literature.The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.'s Roots in the Bible (Bridge Builders Edition). But things have changed--dramatically. A.A. today is not Christian, nor is it a Christian Fellowship. Nor can its book or its steps or its fellowship be changed to say they embrace atheism, Buddhism, Roman Catholicism, humanism, or the unbelief and doubt of some members. It's there with all its universalism and secularism, and it's there to stay. And it calls for tolerance and love, not criticism and rejection. However, it also calls for choice. He who puts Jesus in the Twelve Steps; he who thinks there is a "higher power" that is a light bulb; and he who worships some other deity is not speaking of the A.A. founded and developed by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron.Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book As a Youngster in Vermont, and The Conversion of Bill W.: More on the Creator's Role in Early A.A.. As a matter of fact, when Bill was working with the Jesuit priest Father John Ford and writing Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Ford suggested that there should be sanctions against those who didn't fit the A.A. mold. Bill Wilson rejected the suggestion; and, in correspondence with Ford that I personally saw and copied, Bill said he didn't much care what the Budhhists did with the Twelve Steps.New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A. (2d ed.). I really don't know any better answer, other than that embraced in this kind of tolerance. If someone wants to use prayer beads or chants, they're free to do so in the present Twelve Step fellowships. But I believe all, including this author, should be acquainted with the history of A.A., report it, respect it, and then choose the religious or nonreligious route he or she will pursue today.Introduction to the Sources and Founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am speaking as a recovered Christian member of A.A. who has lasted twenty-two years while counting Bill Wilson's secretary Nell Wing (a Bhuddist)as a good friend. Also counting as my very close AA friend, "Yosemite Tom," who set up our great campouts and then pitched his tent in the middle and did Buddhist chants all night long. Also counting as my good friend Seymour W., a devout Jew, who never failed to mention God and his own prayer life in our regular Wednesday meeting and elsewhere. None of these things offended me or converted me to Buddhism or Judaism. They let me see how broad the road is today.
excellent perspective for the 12x12July 6, 2008 This was an excellent read and I would recommend it to anybody involved with a 12 step program. Taken with the 12x12 it provides some perspective of the steps, discussing them in more contemporary language. I am not a Buddhist and have no wish to become one, but find there is quite a bit of useful content in the book for anyone in recovery. I've been at this for 25 years now, with countless big book and step studies over the years. I am not a joiner or in the market for a religion, but this book does provide intriguing references to concepts in Buddhism worth pursuing. You don't necessarily need the brand name to make use of something that works. I think one aspect of particular use will be working with a concept of a higher power outside the structure of the Christian traditions. I have to disagree with the earlier reviewer - the author does address his concept of a higher power.
Makes perfect sense to me.June 25, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As I've been going through the Steps, I have my sponsor, AA support, and many books as my guides. When I compare the steps in each of the books (Big Book, 12x12, etc.) to One Breathe at a Time, this is the one that speaks in a language I can understand, that helped me clarify my "higher power." If you have leanings toward Eastern philosophy and are somewhat put off by the Christian focus of AA, then give this one a shot. In any case, it can't hurt to have another perspective, and this guy's been through it.
