As we continued to read through the comments, it occurred to us that we should compile all the buddhist books for beginners mentioned into a list, and that such a list, composed solely of personal accounts of lifealtering realizations, could be quite special. Our favorite book to recommend on that list is the heart of the buddhas teachings, as it offers a wonderful introduction to the teachings of the buddha. The 12 step buddhist is designed to be a complimentary practice to the traditional 12 step journey, not a replacement. Okay, so we cant say objectively what the best buddhist books are, but we can give our opinion. Others are by individuals who participated in, or who coled, retreats on the 12 steps and buddhism that judith organized. Bhikkhu bodhis book in the buddhas words which is an anthology of just a few of the suttas along with some excellent introductory essays. When you are finally ready to become a buddhist no, just reading books doesnt make you a buddhist you need to take refuge in the triple gem which is the buddha, the dharma his teachingspath, and the sangha the monastic community. Buddhist book list the 12 step buddhist buddha art. This book is probably the best introduction to buddhist scripture out there.
If youre open to reading, books are one of the best ways to go. Page 146 there are two extremes, o bhikkhus, which the man who has given up the world ought not to follow the habitual practice, on the one hand, of those things whose attraction depends upon the passions. A revered zen master, thich nhat hanh has looked deeply into key buddhist texts and offered practical commentaries and insights. Ajahn sumedho focuses on the simple reality of the here and now, and the awareness of just this, where all thoughts and concepts drop away in favour of insight and understanding. Under her real name, she is a wellknown buddhist teacher, a widelypublished author, and is active in the meditation and recovery communities. Thich nhat hanh, a vietnamese zen buddhist monk, is acclaimed worldwide as a peace activist, author, and teacher. If possible, attend at your temple who likely has a whole structure for this including teachings. In constructive positive language, the manual guides the meditator through the 16 steps of anapanasati. How to become a buddhist a guide for westerners alan peto. First published in 1970, the book s simple approach and plainspoken language have made it timeless. Youll gain wisdom from one of the worlds great buddhist teachers that will help your practice especially if you dont have a teacher already i call this book a teacher in a book. How everyone can use buddhist and recovery tools for greater happiness october 6, 2012 by darren littlejohn using ancient texts and modern wisdom, darren littlejohn, author of the 12 step buddhist, has created a simple system of practices that can be used by anyone. Buddhist recovery is just a particularly visible and growing example of the oftunrecognized pluralism in recovery options, many of which seem to arise out of criticism of 12 step programs.
Buddhist monks themselves became the chief proponents of eradicating the liberation tigers of tamil eelam ltte, who were fighting for a homeland of their own north of the island since 1983. This site is like a library, use search box in the widget to get ebook that you want. Rediscover the classic guide for recovery with this tenth anniversary edition. If youre looking for an alternative path, this book can take you through the 12 steps buddhist style. How to read and study buddhist teachings lions roar. Bill wilson, the founder of aa began the same quest from a different life experience. The 12 steps and buddhism archives white lotus judith ragir. Jul 16, 2014 three of the more popular ones include kevin griffins work, one breath at a time. Melise darren littlejohn states his intention in writing the 12step buddhist is to be of benefit to addicts and promises the reader a change in conscienceness by practicing the meditation techniques described in his book, in this claim he delivers. The 12step buddhist is designed to be a complimentary practice to the traditional 12step journey, not a replacement. For me, the book was the miracle of mindfulness by thich nhat hahn. This book is a guide for addicts of any type on how to incorporate buddhist philosophy and practices into a traditional 12 step program. Buddhism and the 12 steps ecumenical buddhist society of little. People frequently ask us if we have any book recommendations.
While traditional twelve step programs help addicts become sober by removing the drug of choice and providing a spiritual path, they rarely delve deep into what causes people to suffer in the first place. The best buddhist books to read on your path one mind dharma. A buddhist recovery book investigating what a buddhist higher power may be in twelve step. Top 10 buddhist books for children and the benefits of buddhism for children buddhist books for children are a great way to introduce buddhas teachings. The hunt for xanadu by elyse salpeter, siddhartha by hermann hesse, the quest of the empty tomb by elyse salpeter, monkey mi. This is one of the most widely read books by the living face of buddhism in our times, the fourteenth dalai. Press button download or read online below and wait 20 seconds. Founded by siddhartha gautama, later known as the buddha, circa the 5th century bce, buddhism outlines a path of personal spiritual enrichment through meditation and insight. Buddhist form which probably most mimics this twelve step model is called a kalyana mitta spiritual friends group more about them later. After reading some of the above books, you might want to also check out some other books i recommend in my suggested reading section. Nov 15, 2014 there are actually many great buddhist books that are good for beginners. The 12 step buddhist download ebook pdf, epub, tuebl, mobi. A peaceful path to change, transformation and higher consciousness through spiritual practice. Download the 12 step buddhist or read the 12 step buddhist online books in pdf, epub and mobi format.
This series includes talks about the 12 steps and buddhism. Littlejohns integration exercises combine 12step and buddhist strategies, bridging the gap between the two systems perfectly. Here are some of the books we have read so far, or are considering reading during a future cycle. The book makes the point that what twelve step groups have that many buddhist communities are lacking is fellowship. Dorena rode, the twelve steps as a path to enlightenment how the buddha works the steps, createspace independent publishing platform, 2012. Click download or read online button to get the 12 step buddhist book now.
His journey led him to discover nirvana or an enlightened state. Many buddhist groups have monthly potlucks, family classes, or community events meant to encourage personal connections among community members. We have a list of our favorite buddhist books that you can check out. Starting to teach a child about buddhism at a young age can be very beneficial. There is a lot of philosophical heavy lifting contained in his simple, lucid teachings. The 12step buddhist is one of those rare books that transcends genres by seamlessly integrating the 12step approach, buddhist principles, and a compelling personal struggle with addiction and a quest for spiritual awakening. Oct 5, 2014 buddhist book list the 12 step buddhist. In fact, all buddhist nations grew up in the cradle of buddhism. A buddhists insight into the 12 steps of recovery by doug c. Buddhist pilgrimage guide books to buddhist pilgrimage. Do no evil, that is, be not a curse to oneself and others, was the buddhas first advice. The site has seen 232,376 visitors since it opened.
Search the worlds most comprehensive index of fulltext books. Following in the buddhas footsteps, buddhists seek to reach nirvana, or enlightenment, a state of transcendence free from suffering, desire and. A simple guide to buddhism philosophy, tibetan meditation, zen practice, mind power for busy people without beliefs. Previous books include the power of now eckhart tolle, recovering joy, one breath at a time. The 12 step buddhist the writing of darren littlejohn is both informative and instructive in this handydandy intro to buddhism via the 12 steps. We created that list in 2011 read the original here, and asked readers to suggest. Buddhist thought holds that craving leads to suffering the second noble truth. Needless to say this book provides a more realistic portrayal of addiction and buddhist practice. That was followed in 2009 by darren littlejohns wellknown work, the 12step buddhist.
The story of buddhism begins with the personal journey of a man, siddhartha guatama who sought to find freedom from the bondage of human suffering. In the eight years since i met griffin, he has published two books on meditation and the twelve steps, and at least one hundred buddhist recovery groups have sprung up across the us and around the world. The 12 step buddhist website has been live since august, 2008. Jan 18, 20 top ten books for the new buddhist and the curious. While traditional twelvestep programs help addicts become sober by removing the drug of choice and providing a spiritual path, they rarely delve deep into what causes people to suffer in. The 12 step buddhist outlines a way to integrate buddhist teachings with traditional 12 step recovery programs, applying buddhist teachings to addictions of all types. 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. He is the author of this book that can enhance recovery from any addiction. Eight step recovery the buddhist centre buddhism and. A recovering addict and a practitioner of zen and tibetan buddhism, as well as a former mental health specialist, he earned a ba in psych in 1991 and worked.
Buddha and the 12 steps by kevin griffin healyourlife. There are countless buddhist teachings, books, classical texts, commentaries, memoirs, and investigations. Mar 10, 2009 the 12 step buddhist is one of those rare books that transcends genres by seamlessly integrating the 12 step approach, buddhist principles, and a compelling personal struggle with addiction and a quest for spiritual awakening. While traditional twelve step programs help addicts become sober by removing the drug of choice and providing a spiritual path, they rarely delve deep into what causes people to suffer in. Buddhist recovery network coronavirus note due to the covid19 pandemic, inperson meetings may have been canceled or moved online. Top ten books for the new buddhist and the curious tergar. Click like to join the 12 step buddha conversation. Basic buddhist teachings a collection of core buddhist teachings, mostly of a contemporary nature. The author is himself a recovering addict who has practiced both zen and tibetan vajrayana buddhism, and has a ba in psychology. Jul 03, 20 for beyond 50s personal growth talks, listen to an interview with darren littlejohn. Beginners buddhism books daily buddhism the fiveminute.
Sujiva is a clear and comprehensive step by step explanation of the systematic practice. Buddhist books and dharma talks in pdf plus audio and video downloads these ebooks and dharma talks are free to read, listen, watch. Enhance recovery from any addiction, atria booksbeyond words, 2009. Since thich nhat hanh has published so many books, it is hard to know where to start. Enhance recovery from any addiction by littlejohn, darren isbn. The 12step principles and techniques he teaches are based on tibetan vajrayana buddhism.
Integrate buddhist and 12 step thought for a path to liberation that is unsurpassable. How to practice buddhism the beginners guide one mind. I launched the site to serve those who were interested in recovery from addictions but who may have buddhist leanings. Called thay, or teacher, by his followers, he is particularly associated with. Pdf 9781582702230 the 12 step buddhist download full. Buddhism and the 12 step model of recovery soberrecovery.
Buddhist meditation samatha calm abiding vipassana insight lovingkindness metta bhavana chan zen meditation. The similarities with buddhist practices and 12step work help in the transition. If youre interested in finding one near you, go to. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the 12 step buddhist. Mar 05, 20 first in a series of talks suggesting how to modify the steps in a 12 step program to fit into a buddhist framework. Recommended reading 12 steps of recovery and buddhism. The buddha talked extensively about karma because it is only through this law, through cause and effect, through taming the mind and taking skillful action, that we can find freedom. His books and lectures have had a huge impact on western buddhism. Came to believe that a power other than self could restore us to wholeness.
Probably an even more common reason for wanting to go through the steps with one breath though is the opportunity to connect our twelve step work with a buddhist understanding. He makes it look easy, but ironing the wrinkles out of buddhism and 12 step, and quilting them together is. There are other more comprehensive introductory books, but they are a bit more technical. In a market that is dominated by feel good, inspirational books with wide puppydog eyes and flower gardens, this book stands out like flamethrower at a hayride. Enhance recovery from any addiction, by darren littlejohn, is a guide for addicts of any type on how to incorporate buddhist philosophy and practices into a traditional 12 step program. We have a common interest in meditation practices and how they can inform our recovery from addiction.
The buddhist recovery network reserves the right to list or not list a meeting. Read download the 12 step buddhist pdf pdf download. In the west, many of us begin our journey with buddhism by reading a book. There are many versions of the 12 step program of recovery. Meetings can be both within the aa tradition and outside of the aa tradition an example of the latter would be a dharma discussion group held at a buddhist center by people in recovery for people in recovery. There ive included some books for beginners interested in vajrayanatibetan buddhism as well. Following in the buddhas footsteps, buddhists seek to reach nirvana, or enlightenment, a state of transcendence free from suffering, desire and the cycle of death and rebirth. A recovery workbook for individuals and groups kevin griffin the entire book addresses each of the 12 steps in relation to buddhism, much like the article, while suggesting relevant practices. Author darren littlejohn has been there and back, and presents. Can we rely on our own spiritual experience alone or do we need guidance from a.
Zen mind, beginners mind by the founder of san francisco zen center, shunryu suzuki roshi, is one of the undisputed classics of american buddhism. Just as the buddha offered the noble eightfold path as his recovery from suffering to the world, we offer eight. In particular, i am looking into working into a 12 step program centered around recovery from child abuse andor alanon, but im also interested in peoples experiences in aa or na or any of the programs. The eightfold path of buddhism, also called the middle path or middle way, is the system of following these eight divisions of the path to achieve spiritual enlightenment and cease suffering. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Drug and alcohol addiction is a huge source of suffering for many, and buddhist teachings address the causes of suffering headon.
Kevin griffins lifes work of integrating buddhism, and the 12 step traditions is a low key, humble masterwork. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. The core buddhist teaching on the four noble truths is a teaching on karma. I had some trepidation about darren littlejohns book the 12 step buddhist. Kevin griffins book, as does therese jacobsstewarts, uses the 12 steps as chapterheaders, intertwining their personal stories with their 12step work and discoveries, wound around a central cord of buddhist practice, thought, and meditation. Enhance recovery from any addiction, by darren littlejohn, is a guide for addicts of any type on how to incorporate buddhist philosophy and practices into a traditional 12step program. One theme in this valuable book is that for some, 12step meetings offer a cohesive sangha when western buddhism does not meet the need for honest group.
This book is designed to be used as a supplement to existing 12step programs. Topics include the four noble truths, the noble eightfold path, other basic buddhist teachings such as the three dharma seals. This means much more than casual social connection. We admitted our addictive craving over alcohol, and recognized its consequences in our lives.
We sit in silent meditation together, hear a talk by one of our members, and share our re. But the one that is just as good if not better as far as bringing buddhism into daily life and explained in everyday language is the one that spokane buddhist temple uses for people new to buddhism. The author, a buddhist meditation teacher and longtime twelve step practitioner, weaves his personal story of recovery with traditional buddhist teachings. Each month, we discuss one of the twelve steps and how buddhist thought, meditation, and mindfulness practice can be applied to our life in recovery. Here is a short guide to working with buddhist teachings to develop prajna, along with further resources to go deeper with your study. Integrate buddhism and 12 step recovery from all addictions. The author is himself a recovering addict alcohol and narcotics, with two tenyear spans of sobriety to his credit, and experienced a relapse in between. And a third is therese jacobsstewarts book, mindfulness and the 12 steps, published in 2010.
That astonishing number suggests a need for books such as this, written by recovering drug and alcohol addict littlejohn, who is also a student of buddhism. Enhance recovery from any addiction ebook written by darren littlejohn. As early as 1956, the all ceylon buddhist congress had made a statement that the dharma was being undermined by the british and the tamils. Meditation or metta bhavana and other sublime states by ven. Buddhadasa bhikkhu, a major voice in the buddhist world, is an accepted master of buddhist meditation. In fact, there are about as many versions as there are alcoholics in aa who use the program to get sober and to maintain their sobriety. Both meditation and service form salient characteristics of buddhism. We sit in silent meditation together, hear a talk by one of our. Buddhist studies the monastic community, buddhist art, culture, and history.
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