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.

To further discuss recovery and its relationship to Zen practice, please contact Jade at recovery@zencenternorthshore.org.

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/