Buddhism does not teach the doctrine of theism, but rather points out ways to live an enlightened, spiritual life without necessarily believing in God. For this reason some people do not see Buddhism as a religion in the normal, Western sense. Buddhism could be described as more akin to a path of practise and spiritual development which enables people to realise and utilise its teachings in order to transform their lives. A path that enables people to develop the qualities of wisdom and compassion, leading beyond craving and suffering towards the ultimate goal of enlightenment, or Buddhahood.
As a practising Buddhist I wanted to express my understanding of the 12-steps in a language that could be understood by others who may be interested or engaged in a spiritual path that does not require a belief in God. A spirituality rather, that is based on a practical here and now philosophy that leads to higher transformation. Like Buddhism, the 12-steps can provide just such a path of transformation, a spiritual blueprint for living. I therefore offer these steps to both my fellow Buddhists, but also to those who are not interested in a theistic religion or belief. You certainly do not need to be Buddhist to work my version of the steps. What I am offering here is not meant as an alternative to AA, but rather a differing spiritual approach to looking at the 12-steps within the framework of AA. An attempt to still capture what I believe is at the heart of the AA message in a language that better fits within my own spiritual tradition.
It was my own karma that brought me to my first AA meeting, and although I ultimately had to get sober for myself, I somehow knew that I could not get sober by myself. As a Buddhist I go for refuge to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Buddha as both the historical enlightened person, but also my own potential Buddhahood. Dharma is the teaching. Sangha is the spiritual community. In a somewhat similiar but more simplistic way my concept of other power in recovery is not God, but rather an extension of my going for refuge. Buddha also becomes a trust and faith in my teachers (those further along the path of recovery) and my own inate capacity for recovery, Dharma extends to incorporate the 12-step program itself, and Sangha includes the fellowship. Going for refuge means a direct and continued engagement in all these areas.
Put even simpler, to use popular AA jargon commonly heard around the rooms, one might say that the concept of Buddha or Higher Power/Teacher alludes to "guide our destiny", Dharma or Program alludes to "good orderly direction" , and lastly Sangha or Fellowship alludes to "gathering of drunks". Each of which of course spell out the letters g-o-d, and are used as a concept of Higher Power that does not denote God (capital "G") in the usual theistic or religious sense. Without a God, here is something that I can indeed practically place my faith and trust in. Something bigger than merely self.
Upon the willing foundation of admission and refuge, can be built a lifetime of spiritual practise. No matter which language and approach ultimately resonates closest to your own experience, the steps are a path that when practised lead beyond craving and suffering, towards true healing and serenity.
For the benefit of all beings.
Bodhi.
Sydney, Australia.
After active addiction rampaged across my life for a decade, I came to my first meeting of AA at the age of 26. A few months later I was to finally gain my sobriety on the 15th July 1992, and one day at a time I have been sober and clean ever since. I still attend AA meetings, and am involved in various recovery related service work. First committing myself to the Buddhist path in October 1998, I later took more formal refuges and precepts in a simple but beautiful ceremony at a local Centre.
LINKS:
Bodhi's Homepage - For some more information on me, as well as numerous links of interest from both a recovery and Buddhist perspective,then please feel free to visit my homepage.
Buddhist Recovery - This is a site that I am co-involved in with a good Buddhist friend in recovery. For those interested in further exploring recovery from a Buddhist standpoint, then check it out for a list of online Buddhist Recovery resources as well as a comprehensive list of current book publications related to the genre (including individual reviews, excerpts and chapter headings as well as links to Amazon for purchase).
12 Steps of Liberation - This site provides an alternative Buddhist approach to the 12 steps. It appears as part of the Lions Roar Mandala website, which is run by a Tibetan centre out of Sacramento, California. (note this is a PDF file).
BODHI'S BUDDHIST NON-THEISTIC 12 STEPS:
1. We admitted our addictive craving over alcohol, and recognised its consequences in our lives.
2. Came to believe that a power other than self could restore us to wholeness.
3. Made a decision to go for refuge to this other power as we understood it.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to ourselves and another human being the exact moral nature of our past.
6. Became entirely ready to work at transforming ourselves.
7. With the assistance of others and our own firm resolve, we transformed unskilful aspects of ourselves and cultivated positive ones.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed.
9. Made direct amends to such people where possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. In addition, made a conscientious effort to forgive all those who harmed us.
10. Continue to maintain awareness of our actions and motives, and when we acted unskilfuly promptly admitted it.
11. Engaged through the practise of meditation to improve our conscious contact with our true selves, and seeking that beyond self. Also used prayer as a means to cultivate postive attitudes and states of mind.
12. Having gained spiritual insight as a result of these steps, we practise these principles in all areas of our lives, and make this message available to others in need of recovery.