Balancing Buddhism and the 12-Step Program: Insights from Darren Littlejohn
I wrote about this, this bs of like throwing the buddha out with the bathwater or rejecting things as dogmatic because they have a little bit of structure.
Can you follow both Buddhist teachings and the 12-Step program without feeling like you're compromising one for the other? In this episode of 'The 12-Step Buddhist Podcast', Darren Littlejohn dives into this very question. He answers an email from a listener grappling with guilt and trauma from traditional recovery methods and wondering if they can truly integrate Buddhist practices with the 12-Step approach. Darren's response is both compassionate and practical.
He stresses that embracing a different path when new to recovery is necessary but merging these paths demands a deeper, more nuanced practice. Listeners will find valuable advice on developing skills, challenging misconceptions, and steering clear of rigid, dogmatic ideas. Darren also touches on the importance of having a mentor or guide and how to handle criticism and fear along the journey.
This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the complex landscape of addiction recovery with a blend of Buddhist principles and the 12-Step program.