A 12 Step Buddhist or Buddhist recovery.
Yes, AA and NA are throughout Asia. Fellowships there post each others meeting lists even! Spiritual!
I've been to many meetings there. But here is a monastery where just for today is being in the moment and to never use again is for a lifetime, taken as a vow called sajja!
Alcoholism was the first undertaking of the Abbot
and a symptom of a larger spiritual problem
I've been to many meetings there. But here is a monastery where just for today is being in the moment and to never use again is for a lifetime, taken as a vow called sajja!
Alcoholism was the first undertaking of the Abbot
and a symptom of a larger spiritual problem
We link to Thamkrabok monastery as they are a non-profit spiritual detox center and Buddhist monastery.
They take alcoholics and addicts, (and many on methadone) for a donation and have done so for 7 decades.
They take alcoholics and addicts, (and many on methadone) for a donation and have done so for 7 decades.
Buddhist recovery principles differ worldwide here in N Thailand the monks detox many by a focus on spiritual development.
 addicts take herbal medicine for cleansing as a part of detox. A non-twelve step approach to recovery |  addicts take sajja, a sacred vow to never use again. A non-twelve step approach to recovery |
Monks detox addicts and alcoholics form the UK, USA, Australia, Scotland, and Asia...as the work of the Abbot
Is this OK Angela J ?
Is this OK Angela J ?
Addicts and Alcoholics, not Angela washing...
Thamkrabok Monastery is run by an order of Buddhist monks and nuns. You will not find anything like it elsewhere in Thailand or the rest of the world. However, you must be aware and understand that Thamkrabok Monastery does not offer miracle cures.
Ultimately, your long-term recovery following the Thamkrabok detox treatment is based on 2 things:
What can be said, without any doubt, is that ALL ex-addicts who keep their SAJJA - with honesty and integrity - remain 100 per cent drug free.
IF IN NEED OF HELP, Join: Friends of Thamkrabok, a recovery English speaking blog where help and information on Sajja is freely given. Moderated by Vince Cullen UK and friends IT'S FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://groups.google.com/group/Friends-of-Thamkrabok-Monastery?pli=1
Ultimately, your long-term recovery following the Thamkrabok detox treatment is based on 2 things:
- Your 'belief’: - that is your belief in your vow - your Sajja - if you cannot believe in Sajja then you are just going to be doing cold turkey in a hot climate. Can you believe?
- Your ‘commitment’: - that is your willingness and determination to commit to a ‘new’ life. Are you ready?
- You must respect the monks and nuns; and do as you are told.
- You must ‘sweep leaves’ and do other chores.
- The ‘wake-up’ bell rings at 5 am.
- There are no single-rooms.
- You must sleep in a dormitory with many other addicts.
- There is no air-conditioning.
- There is no hot-water.
What can be said, without any doubt, is that ALL ex-addicts who keep their SAJJA - with honesty and integrity - remain 100 per cent drug free.
IF IN NEED OF HELP, Join: Friends of Thamkrabok, a recovery English speaking blog where help and information on Sajja is freely given. Moderated by Vince Cullen UK and friends IT'S FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://groups.google.com/group/Friends-of-Thamkrabok-Monastery?pli=1
Suggested donation:
| The Cave, atop the monastery ATOP A DRAGON SIDED LONG STAIRCASE, i JOKED WITH pRAN hANS, "WE HAVE 12 STEPS, YOU HAVE 200!"
To contemplate sajja
|
It has been said that the Thamkrabok Monastery in Thailand runs “the toughest alcohol and drug rehabilitation regime in the world”.
You can only be admitted at Thamkrabok for treatment ONCE.
If you break your Sajja (vow) you CANNOT undergo a second treatment.
The Thamkrabok programme is based on SAJJA (a sacred vow) not to use intoxicating substances. SAJJA is a sacred act that, if you believe in it, will connect you with your will power and with something "beyond". SAJJA is there for everybody; it is not limited to any specific religion or belief system. The SAJJA is supported by Thamkrabok’s unique herbal medicine that facilitates a very real and very rapid detoxification. You must have a strong belief in YOUR Sajja. This is of the utmost importance.
According to Luangpor Charoen, (the Abbot of Thamkrabok Monastery), the physical detoxification is only 5% of the Thamkrabok treatment.
“You must do the remaining 95% of the work in your mind and through your actions.”
You can only be admitted at Thamkrabok for treatment ONCE.
If you break your Sajja (vow) you CANNOT undergo a second treatment.
The Thamkrabok programme is based on SAJJA (a sacred vow) not to use intoxicating substances. SAJJA is a sacred act that, if you believe in it, will connect you with your will power and with something "beyond". SAJJA is there for everybody; it is not limited to any specific religion or belief system. The SAJJA is supported by Thamkrabok’s unique herbal medicine that facilitates a very real and very rapid detoxification. You must have a strong belief in YOUR Sajja. This is of the utmost importance.
According to Luangpor Charoen, (the Abbot of Thamkrabok Monastery), the physical detoxification is only 5% of the Thamkrabok treatment.
“You must do the remaining 95% of the work in your mind and through your actions.”
Some Buddhist recovery,non-12 step
(www.5th-precept.org/html/foundations.html) and the Buddhist Recovery Network (www.buddhistrecovery.org).
Keep sitting and keep smiling :-)
A Buddhist Oriented Approach - Foundations of Recovery www.5th-precept.org
Truth: pain is inevitable - suffering is optional. The truth of my
addiction and suffering; and my commitment to recovery.
Truth: pain is inevitable - suffering is optional. The truth of my
addiction and suffering; and my commitment to recovery.
12 Step Buddhist / Hindu Art Gallery
Buddhist recovery site: From friends in the UK and Thailand
http://cloud.buddhistrecovery.gr/ grounded in the Buddhist principles of non-harming, compassion and interdependence. It seeks to serve an international audience using cloud-based technologies.
We do not present a separate recovery path in competition with other recovery paths. It seeks to explore and celebrate the vast ocean of inspiration that the Buddhist traditions can offer those in recovery. Buddhist practices may be pursued as an adjunct to other support people may be receiving.
We are trying to reach those who are in recovery, those seeking help in overcoming addictive behaviors, and those who are trying to help those in recovery. We are not missionaries seeking to promote Buddhism as a religion, although we respect and celebrate all of the Buddhist traditions.
We do not present a separate recovery path in competition with other recovery paths. It seeks to explore and celebrate the vast ocean of inspiration that the Buddhist traditions can offer those in recovery. Buddhist practices may be pursued as an adjunct to other support people may be receiving.
We are trying to reach those who are in recovery, those seeking help in overcoming addictive behaviors, and those who are trying to help those in recovery. We are not missionaries seeking to promote Buddhism as a religion, although we respect and celebrate all of the Buddhist traditions.
Want to learn more about Buddhism,
and have fun at the same time!?
Surfing the Himalayas a national bestseller
Just query the name on Amazon.com for a cheap used copy, it's awesome! Look for our book there too, The Twelve Steps Quotes, or Journal 1 and 2
This is the adventurous story of a young American snowboarder who travels to the Himalayas seeking the ultimate high...but surfs into an experience more transcendent than he could have ever imagined...
In an accident of karmic destiny, the young thrill-seeker plows into a Tantric Buddhist monk named Master Fwap who takes him on as a spiritual apprentice. Using snowboarding as a path to enlightenment, the mystical and learned Master Fwap shows how by freeing the mind and challenging the soul, one can master any obsticle including recovery?
Also Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a bestseller of two decades by Robert Pirsig, the book explores a holistic approach to living, emphasizing the mind/body connection, the power of positive thinking, and the essentials of American Buddhism.
Just query the name on Amazon.com for a cheap used copy, it's awesome! Look for our book there too, The Twelve Steps Quotes, or Journal 1 and 2
This is the adventurous story of a young American snowboarder who travels to the Himalayas seeking the ultimate high...but surfs into an experience more transcendent than he could have ever imagined...
In an accident of karmic destiny, the young thrill-seeker plows into a Tantric Buddhist monk named Master Fwap who takes him on as a spiritual apprentice. Using snowboarding as a path to enlightenment, the mystical and learned Master Fwap shows how by freeing the mind and challenging the soul, one can master any obsticle including recovery?
Also Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a bestseller of two decades by Robert Pirsig, the book explores a holistic approach to living, emphasizing the mind/body connection, the power of positive thinking, and the essentials of American Buddhism.
On 4th and 5th step parallels:
"These two are fools. Which two? The one who doesn't see his/her transgression as a transgression, and the one who doesn't rightfully pardon another who has confessed his/her transgression. These two are fools."These two are wise. Which two? The one who sees his/her transgression as a transgression, and the one who rightfully pardons another who has confessed his/her transgression. These two are wise." - Source unknown.
"These two are fools. Which two? The one who doesn't see his/her transgression as a transgression, and the one who doesn't rightfully pardon another who has confessed his/her transgression. These two are fools."These two are wise. Which two? The one who sees his/her transgression as a transgression, and the one who rightfully pardons another who has confessed his/her transgression. These two are wise." - Source unknown.
Do Buddhist believe in a Creator-God?
Buddhists believe that there are beings that inhabit the various celestial realms. These are variously called angels, spirits, gods and devas by various cultures. But do Buddhists believe that a God created everything and manipulate human lives? No, we do not. The Buddha says: "Gripped by fear men go to the sacred mountains, sacred groves, sacred trees and shrines ~ Dhammapada 188"
Primitive man found himself in a dangerous and hostile world, the fear of wild animals, of not being able to find enough food, of injury or disease, and of natural phenomena like thunder, lightning and volcanoes was constantly with him. Finding no security, he created the idea of a God that gives him comfort in good times, courage in times of danger and consolation when things went wrong. The Buddha taught us to try to understand our fears, to lessen our desires and to calmly and courageously accept the things we cannot change. He replaced fear, not with irrational belief but with rational understanding.
The second reason the Buddhists do not believe in a Creator-God is because there does not seem to be any evidence to support this idea.
http://www.parami.org
Christians, Muslims, Hindu and others however base all beliefs on God as a loving Creator, due to the common experience. One example being miracles. Also creation and nature suggests the existence of a God as the world is such a wonder. Could this just have happened by chance? There are many arguments for and against God's existence, 12 step program literature asks all to follow their hearts, and to possibly pray for guidance. It has been the experience of the vast majority of 12 step program members that God could and would help us if we only asked. The literature does allow for personal beliefs but is no doubt based on the power coming from a relationship with a loving God, of any understanding.
As your editor, I will warn against "catch all statements" on Buddhists or anyone, Hindu, et cetera regarding there being no belief in a God. The writings and basic philosophy may not, but the people, being human, often do. Sometimes I also think its just a beautiful humility to not try and verbalize something so indescribable as a God.
Having traveled extensively through Asia researching other books in this series and having gone to many Buddhist temples and ancestral worship halls, I have seen people praying, not merely meditating. Often with 7 incense sticks, and bowing too. Everywhere there are shrines, with offerings of oranges and flowers. I've seen people by the 1000s petitioning "A God, Spirit, Helper, Saint" for help. Even in casinos I've seen gamblers asking for the Buddha's and God's help. This God may remain nameless but I did ask many times what people were doing and was told "praying" over and over. I asked if there was a "God" being prayed to, again and again; and was told, "of course!" every time. But I'm an idiot, all this is your call...
Buddhists believe that there are beings that inhabit the various celestial realms. These are variously called angels, spirits, gods and devas by various cultures. But do Buddhists believe that a God created everything and manipulate human lives? No, we do not. The Buddha says: "Gripped by fear men go to the sacred mountains, sacred groves, sacred trees and shrines ~ Dhammapada 188"
Primitive man found himself in a dangerous and hostile world, the fear of wild animals, of not being able to find enough food, of injury or disease, and of natural phenomena like thunder, lightning and volcanoes was constantly with him. Finding no security, he created the idea of a God that gives him comfort in good times, courage in times of danger and consolation when things went wrong. The Buddha taught us to try to understand our fears, to lessen our desires and to calmly and courageously accept the things we cannot change. He replaced fear, not with irrational belief but with rational understanding.
The second reason the Buddhists do not believe in a Creator-God is because there does not seem to be any evidence to support this idea.
http://www.parami.org
Christians, Muslims, Hindu and others however base all beliefs on God as a loving Creator, due to the common experience. One example being miracles. Also creation and nature suggests the existence of a God as the world is such a wonder. Could this just have happened by chance? There are many arguments for and against God's existence, 12 step program literature asks all to follow their hearts, and to possibly pray for guidance. It has been the experience of the vast majority of 12 step program members that God could and would help us if we only asked. The literature does allow for personal beliefs but is no doubt based on the power coming from a relationship with a loving God, of any understanding.
As your editor, I will warn against "catch all statements" on Buddhists or anyone, Hindu, et cetera regarding there being no belief in a God. The writings and basic philosophy may not, but the people, being human, often do. Sometimes I also think its just a beautiful humility to not try and verbalize something so indescribable as a God.
Having traveled extensively through Asia researching other books in this series and having gone to many Buddhist temples and ancestral worship halls, I have seen people praying, not merely meditating. Often with 7 incense sticks, and bowing too. Everywhere there are shrines, with offerings of oranges and flowers. I've seen people by the 1000s petitioning "A God, Spirit, Helper, Saint" for help. Even in casinos I've seen gamblers asking for the Buddha's and God's help. This God may remain nameless but I did ask many times what people were doing and was told "praying" over and over. I asked if there was a "God" being prayed to, again and again; and was told, "of course!" every time. But I'm an idiot, all this is your call...
Principles (and precepts) Via Humor!
So if Buddhists don't believe in God,
what do you believe in?
Each human being is precious and important, as all have the potential to develop the qualities of a Buddha – a perfected human being. Human beings can outgrow ignorance and irrationality and see things as they really are. Hatred, anger, spite and jealousy can be replaced by love, patience, generosity and kindness. All this is within the grasp of each person if they make the effort, are guided and supported by fellow Buddhists and inspired by the example of the Buddha.
This is a non-theistic belief system.
Non-theistic beliefs include the atheist and possibly the agnostic. Multiple Gods would be the pantheist.
One favorite quote on our website
and in our quotes book reads:
Whatever your heart clings to, that is your God.
Martin Luther 16th Century theologian
Note: Christians and Muslims likewise believe the same goals and results for the most part, but base this belief on the power of Gods (the "Holy Spirit", Allah...) interaction with us, helping us to the same ends. Sometimes this is based on the person turning will and life over to His care. Other times it is simply a gift from out of no where.
Native Americans and many other indigenous peoples worldwide believe in "Creator", or nature and the force behind it as a supreme singular being.
These are theistic belief systems.
what do you believe in?
Each human being is precious and important, as all have the potential to develop the qualities of a Buddha – a perfected human being. Human beings can outgrow ignorance and irrationality and see things as they really are. Hatred, anger, spite and jealousy can be replaced by love, patience, generosity and kindness. All this is within the grasp of each person if they make the effort, are guided and supported by fellow Buddhists and inspired by the example of the Buddha.
This is a non-theistic belief system.
Non-theistic beliefs include the atheist and possibly the agnostic. Multiple Gods would be the pantheist.
One favorite quote on our website
and in our quotes book reads:
Whatever your heart clings to, that is your God.
Martin Luther 16th Century theologian
Note: Christians and Muslims likewise believe the same goals and results for the most part, but base this belief on the power of Gods (the "Holy Spirit", Allah...) interaction with us, helping us to the same ends. Sometimes this is based on the person turning will and life over to His care. Other times it is simply a gift from out of no where.
Native Americans and many other indigenous peoples worldwide believe in "Creator", or nature and the force behind it as a supreme singular being.
These are theistic belief systems.
