BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Buddhism Buddhism and Addiction

The tragic passing of actor Phillip Seyour Hoffman prompted me to feature this book this week:

The Twelve-Step Buddhist

This book really cuts to the heart of how Buddhism addresses suffering, and applies it specifically to dealing with addiction. Although from a certain perspective, we are all addicted to something (though not in the overpowering physical way that drug/alcohol addiction plays out). But most of us are addicted to certain mental and emotional patterns, or to other experiences or forms of stimulation in our lives.

Meditation, mindfulness, and inquiry provide a powerful way for us to learn to cut through these. Through the amazing insight into our own mind that we gain, we can begin to see these impulses as they arise, and choose something else. It doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen. I'd love to hear any stories anyone wants to share along these lines...

To all or none,

Originally ,this was not supposed to be the post i am writing.

What I originally wanted to say was, that after 3 1/2 hours on working on my different posts that I listened to a Mantra that brought me over the top.

I open my computor ,when I get home,and You tube sends me this .
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g69INkQYJSM[url]

Please listen to it .The artist is Neil Diamond
the victim

Philip Seymour Hoffman.

To Phylip ,may you get a better karma ,next time.I do share the same deamons.For this life ,the suffering is over.


_/\_
With compassion and comprehension

loong

Hi Loong, yes I would not presume to understand. This article was a book review though, and the author is himself a recovering addict, struggled with many addictions for many years, and now has adapted the 12-step program for Buddhists. It has helped a lot of people, and underscores the value of Buddhism for all kinds of suffering.