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The Twelve Steps' emphasis on God often frustrates those who consider themselves agnostic or atheist. Yet in suggesting we surrender to a force greater than ourselves, the Steps open a way into freedom from addiction that is both powerful and effective. Griffins insight is that the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha, can be understood as a power itself, one that can serve the same purpose as God in working with the Steps. He shows how the teachings on karma, mindfulness, impermanence, suffering, love, and many more can act as guides and supports in the process of recovery. Deepening our awareness through Buddhist meditation practices allows us to loosen the destructive thought patterns and behaviors that bind us, helps us to reflect on our lives, and ultimately guides us to a new way of living from from clinging and self-hatred. -- from back cover
Table of Contents:
Part I : dharma God
The higher power of karma
The higher power of mindfulness
The higher power of wisdom
The higher power of love
The higher power of the eight fold path
The higher power of faith
The higher power of presence
The higher power of spiritual awakening
The higher power of the group
The mystery
Part II : the path of recovery
From despair to hope : step two
Diving in : step three
Self-revealing : step five
Preparing for freedom : step six
Letting go : step seven
Living the path : step eleven
Continuing the path of recovery
FY2022 /
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A Burning Desire is a gift for those who struggle with the Twelve Step program's focus on the need to surrender to a Higher Power. Taking a radical departure from traditional views of God, Western or Eastern, author Kevin Griffin neither accepts Christian beliefs in a Supreme Being nor Buddhist non-theism, but rather forges a refreshing, sensible, and accessible Middle Way. Griffin shows how the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha, can be understood as a Higher Power. Karma, mindfulness, impermanence, and the Eightfold Path itself are revealed as powerful forces that can be accessed through meditation and inquiry. Drawing from his own experiences with substance abuse, rehabilitation, and recovery, Griffin looks at the various ways that meditation and spiritual practices helped deepen his experience of sobriety. His personal story of addiction is not only raw, honest and engrossing, but guides readers to an inquiry of their own spirituality.… (more)