Religion vs Addiction

Griff · 06-30-2010, 10:03 AM

I've been trying to take a step back and think clearly about stuff. I've been reading a lot of Buddhism thought avoiding the clearly religious aspects and concentrating on the eightfold path, which to me makes good sense from a secular perspective. I know that some folks will argue that Buddhism isn't a religion in the strictest sense... anyway here is where I'm trying to hang my hat with varying degrees of success.
1. Right Knowledge
2. Right Thinking
3. Right Speech
4. Right Conduct
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
When I'm stressed out I fail badly but I am working at it.

SamIam · 06-30-2010, 10:48 AM

I don't feel that I am "addicted to religion" because I go to AA. For me its about having the support and understanding of people who have gone through the same thing I have and who are facing the same struggles that I am.

I do agree, however, that Wilson looked to religion to effect that complete psychic change he felt was required in order to stay sober. But it is my feeling that acheiving sobriety is not dependent on some burning bush experience. I have seen people use the group as their higher power, and one man even used his dog.

I very much like Buddhist practice. I think that it allows one to lead a better life in general. It is also helpful in maintaining sobriety.

It is a real accomplishment to stay sober without AA. My hat is off to you. I wouldn't be able to do it alone myself.

Griff · 06-30-2010, 11:31 AM

Sobriety is a whatever works thing for me. If the group helps do it. If groups are part of the problem don't.

06-30-2010, 10:03 AM	#1
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	I've been trying to take a step back and think clearly about stuff. I've been reading a lot of Buddhism thought avoiding the clearly religious aspects and concentrating on the eightfold path, which to me makes good sense from a secular perspective. I know that some folks will argue that Buddhism isn't a religion in the strictest sense... anyway here is where I'm trying to hang my hat with varying degrees of success. 1. Right Knowledge 2. Right Thinking 3. Right Speech 4. Right Conduct 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration When I'm stressed out I fail badly but I am working at it. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

06-30-2010, 11:31 AM	#3
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	Sobriety is a whatever works thing for me. If the group helps do it. If groups are part of the problem don't. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

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06-30-2010, 10:48 AM	#2
SamIam Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Not here Posts: 2,655	I don't feel that I am "addicted to religion" because I go to AA. For me its about having the support and understanding of people who have gone through the same thing I have and who are facing the same struggles that I am. I do agree, however, that Wilson looked to religion to effect that complete psychic change he felt was required in order to stay sober. But it is my feeling that acheiving sobriety is not dependent on some burning bush experience. I have seen people use the group as their higher power, and one man even used his dog. I very much like Buddhist practice. I think that it allows one to lead a better life in general. It is also helpful in maintaining sobriety. It is a real accomplishment to stay sober without AA. My hat is off to you. I wouldn't be able to do it alone myself.

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