Recently I was invited to lead an opening meditation at a regional 12 Step retreat. It’s gotten me thinking about Buddhism and the 12 Step program, although I’m not necessarily comparing all of their compatibilities and similarities. There are some good books available on that topic already. What I’ve been reflecting on is how the 12 Step programs are another avenue to paying attention and shedding light on those parts of ourselves we’d rather not see. What’s required here is courageous honesty. Which is, of course, what we cultivate in meditation if we’re practicing seriously.
I starting attending 12 Step meetings several years ago and went regularly for about three years. I wasn’t addressing substance abuse problems, though some would argue that my chocolate addiction could bear that kind of scrutiny. But since dark chocolate has now been classified as a health food, I’m not fighting that one any more. 
. Instead, I began attending the 12 Step program to address interpersonal issues that arose in part from growing up in a family of alcoholics. At a deeper level, I believe many of the challenges I’ve faced are actually part of the human condition; they are things most of us struggle with, whether we have substance abuse in our families or not. At the root is the very clinging and aversion of the mind that Buddha struggled with in his quest for enlightenment.
What I have discovered from many years of practice is that meditation alone rarely succeeds in fully opening the gates of the mind and heart, even though it is a powerful way to illuminate much of what’s been hidden to us. Buddhist meditation (on and off the cushion) is my foundational path and it has made a huge difference in my life. Along the way, however, I’ve utilized several adjunct paths to augment and deepen my practice. Any path that encourages us to face and tell the truth about our lives will only serve to enhance our dharma practice.
The 12 Step meeting I chose to attend was in Franklin, and I had to drive there during rush hour traffic. That alone was a good practice in patience for me. When I arrived, often I would ask myself what I was doing there, why I was giving up another evening during the week, when I could be home doing, what? Maybe reading or watching an old episode of the X-Files, or one of my favorite chefs on the Food Network? Most times when I took a seat at the meeting, a moment of awakening would occur, my mind would become clear, and I would see something that had been hidden. Often from these insights I would discover ways to begin undoing old patterns that had kept me locked in suffering. Sounds much like dharma practice, doesn’t it?
The word “dharma” actually has dual meanings. In the Buddhist tradition it has come to signify the Buddha’s teachings, while also pointing to “the truth of this moment.” For me, attending 12 Step meetings created a new avenue to work with difficult emotions and old patterns within the context of my dharma path; the meetings were another way of experiencing the truth of this moment.
I think both these posts show that “IT works if YOU work IT.”
Lisa, you attended by choice with an open mind and found something of benefit.
Bob, you “had to go” I’m guessing as suggested by your attorney to help your case.
I think choice plays a huge role with everything.
My son just called me from court where he faced his third drinking-related charges today. With the first and second charges he “endured” court-ordered classes which obviously didn’t help. This time, he seems to be experiencing some sort of metamorphosis, though I can’t say whether AAese is starting to ring for him or the $3000 he lost to court/lawyer fees has shaken his foundations. That’s a lot of dough for a 24 year old. In either case, “IT will only work if HE works it.”
I think anonymity is a great thing, and the buzz words/phrases are a way of saying, “we’re with ya, we’re not judging ya,” Everything is somewhat repetitive after you’ve done it for awhile.
BTW, AA is “not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause,” which is why (I’m assuming) someone asked Lisa to open with meditation at their regional!
When I’ve attended, I’ve never left feeling like we had church. Pleasant feelings. Insights, but church? Nada. Not even close. In fact, it’s very shallow in that it only touches one tiny area of your life.
Hey, Bob, do you consider the prayer of the Burmese monks (elsewhere on this blog, they’re seen holding posters pleading for prayer) to be a form of magic? If Buddha isn’t a diety, then who are they praying to?
Lately, I’m noticing that by simply holding out hope or a wish with a yearning that is so continuous to wake me and stay with me throughout the day, I’m astonished to learn that my “wish” has been fulfilled without ever having knelt and began with “Our Father.” Is that not prayer? And is that not somehow similar to a loving-kindness meditation, for instance?
Maybe you have been around a great deal of Christians who sought to find differences with you rather than common ground, and thus you are very angry with them, but please understand that all of us aren’t here to persecute you as a Buddhist. There are still many good people in the world. And Bob magic happens all the time. Just go through life being and it will find you.
The more I read about Judaism/Buddhism/Taoism, the more magic I’m experiencing from Christianity. It really is amazing how all religions/philosophies intermingle, and I think it’s because I’m realizing the power of “letting go”, which is also a big AA thing. I think it’s nice to branch out and hear the same thing in as many different ways as possible.
Lisa,
I agree with your observation that “meditation alone rarely succeeds in fully opening the gates of the mind and heart.” As someone who has sung countless hymns in Christian churches, sung the Kiddush in a Reform temple, meditated in a variety of settings, and attended 14 gazillion 12-Step meetings since 1986, it all seems like part of one mysterious tapestry to me.
The One Dharma reading from a few weeks ago is a good example: the description of “The Void” from Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa is almost identical to the Apostle Paul’s description of God: “in God we live and move and have our being.”
I think we’re all just grateful to be part of this Magical Mystery Tour.
Larry
I feel very grateful for participating in Alanon for over 27 years, the steps are steeped in wisdom and support, depending on how you work it, and let it work in and through you.
And, the traditions help to support this amazing grass roots organization. I feel so happy to know that all over the world in back rooms, church basements and all over,– there are folks who are simply listening and sharing.
Thank you for your practice.
Constance