One Breath at a Time

1. Buddhism and the Twelve Steps share core principles of mindfulness and letting go

"Both Buddhism and the Twelve Steps are kept alive, generation to generation by sincere and deeply committed practitioners..."

Complementary paths. Buddhism and the Twelve Steps offer complementary approaches to addressing human suffering and addiction. Both emphasize:

• Mindfulness: Paying attention to present moment experiences without judgment
• Letting go: Releasing attachments to destructive thoughts, behaviors, and substances
• Acceptance: Acknowledging the reality of one's situation as a starting point for change
• Compassion: Cultivating kindness towards oneself and others

Practical tools. While their origins differ, both traditions provide practical tools for personal transformation:

• Meditation practices to develop awareness and insight
• Ethical guidelines for skillful living (e.g., Buddhist precepts, Twelve Step principles)
• Community support through sanghas and recovery meetings
• Emphasis on service and helping others as part of the path

2. Surrender is the foundation for spiritual growth and recovery

"To cease fighting anything or anyone."

Paradox of surrender. Counterintuitively, surrendering control often leads to greater freedom and peace. This involves:

• Admitting powerlessness over addiction and unmanageable aspects of life
• Letting go of the illusion of control over external circumstances
• Opening to a power greater than oneself (however conceived)
• Cultivating willingness to change and grow

Buddhist perspective. In Buddhism, surrender relates to:

• Recognizing the truth of impermanence and interdependence
• Letting go of fixed ideas about self and reality
• Cultivating "don't know mind" and beginner's mind
• Trusting in the process of practice and awakening

3. Rigorous self-examination leads to personal transformation

"Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves."

Courageous introspection. Both traditions emphasize the importance of honestly examining one's thoughts, actions, and motivations:

• Fourth Step inventory in Twelve Steps
• Buddhist practices of self-reflection and mindfulness

Benefits of self-examination:

• Increased self-awareness and understanding of patterns
• Identification of character defects and areas for growth
• Development of humility and compassion
• Foundation for making amends and changing behavior

Tools for examination:

• Writing exercises (e.g., Fourth Step inventory)
• Meditation practices to observe thoughts and emotions
• Feedback from trusted mentors or sponsors
• Regular self-reflection and journaling

4. Making amends heals relationships and nurtures self-forgiveness

"Made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."

Power of amends. Taking responsibility for past harms and making amends:

• Heals damaged relationships
• Relieves guilt and shame
• Builds self-esteem and integrity
• Breaks cycles of negative behavior

Buddhist perspective on forgiveness:

• Recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings
• Cultivating compassion for self and others
• Letting go of resentments and grudges
• Understanding karma and the effects of our actions

Practical approaches:

• Direct communication and apologies when appropriate
• Making indirect amends through changed behavior
• Living amends through ongoing ethical conduct
• Self-forgiveness practices and loving-kindness meditation

5. Continuous self-inventory and promptly admitting wrongs maintain spiritual fitness

"Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it."

Ongoing vigilance. Maintaining spiritual growth and recovery requires:

• Regular self-reflection and inventory
• Prompt acknowledgment of mistakes and shortcomings
• Willingness to make amends and correct course
• Cultivation of humility and honesty

Buddhist parallels:

• Mindfulness practice to observe thoughts, speech, and actions
• Ethical precepts as guidelines for skillful living
• Regular retreats and periods of intensive practice
• Emphasis on moment-to-moment awareness and choice

Practical tools:

• Daily inventory or journaling practices
• Meditation to develop self-awareness
• Regular check-ins with sponsors or spiritual friends
• Cultivating the habit of admitting mistakes quickly

6. Meditation and prayer deepen conscious contact with a higher power

"Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out."

Cultivating connection. Both traditions emphasize practices to deepen spiritual awareness:

• Meditation to develop mindfulness and insight
• Prayer as a means of aligning with higher principles
• Contemplation of spiritual teachings and texts
• Cultivation of gratitude and reverence

Buddhist approaches:

• Various meditation techniques (e.g., mindfulness, loving-kindness)
• Chanting and devotional practices
• Study and contemplation of dharma teachings
• Retreats for intensive practice and insight

Twelve Step perspectives:

• Variety of prayer and meditation approaches
• Emphasis on developing a personal understanding of a higher power
• Use of slogans and literature for inspiration and guidance
• Sponsorship and fellowship as supports for spiritual growth

7. Awakening is a gradual process of integrating spiritual insights into daily life

"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to other alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

Ongoing integration. Spiritual awakening is often a gradual process of:

• Accumulating insights through practice and experience
• Applying spiritual principles to everyday challenges
• Deepening understanding of interconnectedness and impermanence
• Cultivating compassion and service to others

Buddhist perspective:

• Awakening as a lifelong journey rather than a single event
• Emphasis on "after the ecstasy, the laundry" - integrating insights into daily life
• Bodhisattva ideal of dedicating oneself to the liberation of all beings
• Recognition that enlightenment manifests differently for each individual

Twelve Step approach:

• Spiritual awakening as the cumulative result of working the Steps
• Emphasis on carrying the message to others still suffering
• Practicing principles in all areas of life
• Ongoing commitment to personal growth and service

Last updated: August 8, 2024