April 26, 2004
Meditation teacher and author Griffin discovered that his Buddhist practice deepened as a result of the 12-step program that freed him from addiction. In examining the relationship of Buddhism and the steps, he learned to escape spiritual traps endemic to the culture of addiction, namely, instant gratification and nihilism. He writes that many addicts are dissuaded from attending 12-step meetings because of the Christian tenor exemplified by faith in a Higher Power. Buddhists in particular are encouraged to wordlessly contemplate Buddha Nature
, yet for addicts, retreat-style meditation without sponsorship may become another alcoholic behavior: in the last days of his drinking, "walking around smashed saying, 'I'm just a drunken Buddha' " exemplified Griffin's deeply nihilistic
version of the concepts of No-Self and the Mahayana principle that everything is a manifestation of Buddha Nature. Intermediary steps that call for personal inventory and interpersonal sharing of past transgressions may seem at odds with the solitary meditation-based practice of letting thoughts dissolve into a reality of "right here, right now," but Griffin says such sharing is part of the Buddhist principle of Right Speech. One theme in this valuable book is that for some, 12-step meetings offer a cohesive sangha
when Western Buddhism does not meet the need for honest group support. In the final steps, Griffin learns to let go of the "I," to resist belief in a single transcendent experience and to instead rely on the gentle vigilance exacted by regular meditation, sponsorship and meeting participation.
May 1, 2004
This book finds its origin in insights so transparent that it comes as a shock to realize that it seems to be the first of its kind. Griffin, a meditation teacher for almost 20 years, writes with affecting simplicity and candor about his own progress through the Twelve Steps of the recovery from addiction and their connections to the meditation practices and insights of the Theravada School of Buddhism. His book is personal rather than academic, but the case implicitly made for the mutual reinforcement of Buddhism's awareness and nonattachment as well as the Twelve Steps' commitment to self-awareness and personal responsibility is powerful and affecting. For most collections.
Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.