The 12 Steps and Zen Koans

If you belong to a 12 Step Group, at one time you will hear someone say, "Upon working the steps, one day you will see where the Steps are working you!" The same can be said when you meditate with Zen koans ... a koan can pop into your life when you least expect it, giving you a new perspective on matters. Here we are practicing with koans to see how they can deepen our understanding of the 12 Steps in new and unexpected ways.

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Sunday, January 1, 2023

January Koan and Step One

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Step 1:    We admitted we were powerless over alcohol* -- that our lives had become unmanageable.     Koan:  A bug on a branch Swept away do...
Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Work, work, work with Step 12

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Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and practice these pri...
Thursday, December 1, 2022

December Koan and Step 12

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  December 1, 2022 -     Step 12 Koan   Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this messa...
Wednesday, November 16, 2022

When the bridge is broken? Step 11

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Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God   as we understood Him , praying only for knowledge ...
Wednesday, November 2, 2022

November 2022, 12 & Zen

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  November Greetings, Oops...it seems that a couple of World Series games distracted me. Here is what we'll be sitting with: Step 11: So...
Sunday, October 16, 2022

Step 10, for the benefit of all

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    Step 10:    Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.   KOAN:   Blue Cliff Case 27: Yunmen’s Man...
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Step 10 Revealing Ourselves

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A new month, a new koan...This is what we're sitting with in October. Bill Step 10:    Continued to take personal inventory and when we ...
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Bill K.
We try to carry the 12 Step message to those who are suffering, "and to practice these principles in all our affairs." In Buddhism, our practice includes the vow to save all beings. Here the practices are melded into one -- bringing freedom into our life.
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