One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps 
asked by versed on November 15, 2006 11:24 PM
Kevin Griffin, 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.
Reviews
0%
0%
Kevin Griffin and friends put a lot of thought into integrating these two approaches. However, what makes the book a Five Star instead of a Four Star is the totally honest portrayal of his own life by Mr. Griffin as he tells of his misdeeds and how he hurt others in his bouts with alcohol and drugs. He offers hope and redemption to the rest of us and you will love his happy ending. Were we all so open, humble, and acknowledging of our faults and missteps. A great read for us recovering folks who also would like to focus on Step Eleven, especially through a Buddhist perspective.
reviewed by work on November 19, 2006 11:19 PM
0%
0%
This is an interesting dimension on the 12-steps which were Christian in origin and spiritual in nature. One Breath at a Time is a Buddhist slant on the one day at a time approach in recovery. One primary lesson from Buddhist philosophy is that attachment and craving are at the root of suffering. Addiction is both an attachment and a craving whose compulsions take over and trap an individual in an endless cycle. Whether the addiction is to a substance or a behavior the illusion that it frees the person from pain is what mara is ... a mirage promising bounties that are empty. So ... for those who are interested in other perspectives of recovery - this is one read to consider.
reviewed by willie on November 21, 2006 8:26 PM
0%
0%
This book is well written and easy to read. I relapsed with 13+ years in a 12 step program and having a difficult time getting reconnected. As someone with Buddhist leanings who never quite bridged the gap between the steps and Buddhism I found this book to be of great help. If you are even remotely interested in working the 12 steps from a Buddhist perspective I highly recommend this book.
reviewed by paradiselove on November 29, 2006 1:06 PM
0%
0%
This is the book I have been looking for since I started studying and practicing Buddhism 13 years ago. It is clear, insightful and the author uses his life experience as examples. Kudos!
reviewed by redsink on November 29, 2006 7:33 PM
0%
0%
After not drinking for 6 months I needed something to sastain my sobriety. I resisted 12 step programs because I thought they were only for Christins. Kevin's book helped me understand the relationship between spirituality and the 12 step program. I recommend it highly to everyone, Buddhist, Hindus, Jews and Gentiles. Anyone who wants to stop, or has stopped, an addiction.
reviewed by officefan on November 29, 2006 7:35 PM