Recovery and Zen

Zen meditation can be a powerful practice during the journey of recovery.

The following are links to resources that our members have found helpful in supporting their meditation practice and/or their recovery.  *These are personal recommendations and do not necessarily reflect or imply Zen Center North Shore’s endorsement or affiliation.

Books

• “Buddhism & The Twelve Steps Workbook” - Kevin Griffin

• “One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the 12 Steps” - Kevin Griffin

• “Alcoholics Anonymous” - Anonymous

• “Recovery Dharma- How to Use Buddhist Practices and Principles to Heal the Suffering of Addiction” - Recovery Dharma

Books can be purchased locally or online at Copper Dog Books in Beverly, Massachusetts copperdogbooks.com

Articles and Essays

• 9 Essays: Buddhism & The 12 Step Model of Recovery
  https://www.sfzc.org/files/buddhism_12steps

• Applying Buddhism in Addiction Recovery
  https://aaagnostica.org/2020/07/05/applying-buddhism-in-addiction-recovery/

• The Karma of Recovery
  https://aaagnostica.org/2018/01/04/the-karma-of-recovery/

Podcasts

• Zen Center North Shore Podcast
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zen-center-north-shore-podcast/id1494067372

• Buddhist Recovery Network 
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buddhist-recovery-network-podcast/id1450881801

• The 12 Steps and Buddhism - Minnesota Zen Meditation Center
  https://www.judithragir.org/feed/podcast/the-12-steps-and-buddhism

• The 12 Step Buddhist
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-12-step-buddhist-podcast/id286362280

Online Groups and Resources

These groups can be resources for those wishing to connect with the wider recovery community.

• San Francisco Zen Center - Meditation in Recovery Group
  https://www.sfzc.org/practice-centers/city-center/zen-meditation-practice-city-center/practice-groups-city-center/meditation-in-recovery

•  Minnesota Zen Meditation Center - Meditation Recovery Group
  http://mnzencenter.org/12-Step.php
  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf9wdDfLubCQRHIV3VxOnhw

•  Buddhist Recovery Network (a good way to find Buddhist recovery resources)
  https://www.buddhistrecovery.org/

•  Recovery Dharma (an organization using Buddhist principles and practices as a vehicle for recovery)
  https://recoverydharma.org/

• Austin Zen Center - Meditation and Recovery Group
  https://austinzencenter.org/meditation-and-recovery/

National Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
  AA.org

•  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  https://www.samhsa.gov/