Ginkgo wrote: ↑Mon Mar 19, 2018 2:19 am
Hi everyone,
I'll start by outing myself as an SGI member, concious of its atrengths, and weaknesses. I really enjoy reading the posts on this forum - the different perspectives and deep knowledge of many of the posters here has been fascinating, helpful and enlightening (ha!) The last thing I'm here for is a sectarian bunfight. But I do like to learn.
Recently Ive been going to NA meetings to get a handle on addictive behaviour that has manifested for much of my adult life. It's difficult though - the Xtian background grates and although I feel things like confessing my character defects etc might be helpful I also feel that admitting my powerlessness and asking 'God' to direct my life runs contrary to my practice.
That said I am very aware of my failings as the 'addict personality' that is described in their literature and in meetings resonates - painfully - with me.
I guess I'm scared - of the programme (I was raised Xtian and screw that) but also that this Buddhism hasn't been enough? Or maybe Im just fooling myself and trying to get out of doing the 'Steps' required by using the exclusivity of the Lotus Sutra as a getout clause.
I dont want to spend my life in meetings (& I say that as an active SGI member
). Is it possible to do the Steps and remain true to the Lotus Sutra? Or is faith practice and study enough?
I would really appreciate people's thoughts!
Thank you, very much
Check out Refuge Recovery, it's a recovery program based on the 4 Noble Truths and Eightfold path. It won't be your Lotus Buddhism, but at least to me (I'm a Vajrayana/Dzogchen guy) it's much more comfortable than 12 step stuff. You can also check out Lifering or Smart Recovery if you want something that's not so Christianity-oriented. If you were in a big enough city in the US all three of these will probably be available, across the pond I have no idea. There is a Refuge Recovery book you can buy for cheap, to at least get an idea of how the program works.
Lots of Buddhists have made use of the 12 steps though, if you want to get a better handle on the 12 steps id' suggest reading Understanding the 12 Steps by Terence Gorski. It won't be Buddhist by any means, but it is detailed enough that you can see where many people go a bit wrong in interpreting the 12 steps, and how much room there is for interpretation. this book will De-mystify the steps a bit. You can certainly make use of them as a Buddhist, make your Higher Power the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, the Dharmakaya etc...it's clunky, but you can make it fit. You can also read the Big Book, 12 Step and 12 Traditions etc. and scan them for ideas that you can kind of "Buddhist-ize". There's some wisdom in those books, it's just hidebound and part of an ossified culture with (in my opinion) some kind of questionable parts.
might be helpful I also feel that admitting my powerlessness and asking 'God' to direct my life runs contrary to my practice.
Case in point
Then don't. Instead admit your options are limited by the karma you have generated which brought you to your addictive behaviors in this present life, and that you cannot find your way out without the help of The Lotus Sutra/Shakyamuni Buddha/The Dharmakaya, what have you. Remember, even in AA/NA literature, the phrase is "
God as we understood him". You can plug in your own Buddhist understanding here, and be completely honest, without the Dharma you are powerless to change this. This is actually true for all practitioners too, so you don't need to feel like it's a stretch. In fact, the First Step is quite compatible with Buddhism if you really dig into it.
12 step culture is what it is, I'd suggest just shopping for meetings with like minded people if possible, and possibly looking into actual counseling in addition to the sober support stuff, which tends to be more of a mixed bag in terms of approach. For long term recovery counseling + 12 step/self support groups has the highest success rate. There are lots of different opinions on the how and why of the 12 steps, you don't have to take anyone's word for it.
My own personal editorial:
There is nothing of great value in the 12 steps that you won't find in Buddhadharma, but the only addiction recovery program I'm aware of that specifically takes a Buddhist approach is Refuge Recovery, I wish there were more. If you don't like the inherent shame and personal identification with 'disease' that exists in some 12 step groups, I'd give something like this a try, I have enjoyed RR. I personally cannot stomach the shaming, black and white thinking, and enmeshment that sometimes goes with the 12 step approach, but I know a number of Buddhists in recovery that have been through it and swear by it, and have had -very- different experiences.. so you have to decide for yourself. There is value and wisdom in the 12 steps, but culturally as a Buddhist you will likely be something of an "outsider", at least that is my experience.
You need a program though, most people do at least. It's possible to get through it for some with simply having spiritual support and mentorship, but don't try to go it alone.
Whatever the case, please take care of yourself and be well!
http://www.buddhistrecovery.org/
https://www.refugerecovery.org/"...if you think about how many hours, months and years of your life you've spent looking at things, being fascinated by things that have now passed away, then how wonderful to spend even five minutes looking into the nature of your own mind."
-James Low
..hopefully you won't be too embarrassed 
for all of eternity. 