Buddhism + Recovery. There are many excellent books on the market with these combined topics, so how is "Twelve and Zen" different from these? "Twelve and Zen", to the best of my knowledge, is perhaps the first to bring koan practice into the picture as a very effective means of deepening one's 12 Step practice. "We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness." This is what happens by working the Steps -- this is what happens with a Zen koan practice. This is not a theory. I speak from my direct experiences -- from being in recovery for more than 25 years and koan practice for more than 15 years. It must me noted, this book is NOT a substitute for going to meetings, getting a sponsor, working the Steps and helping others. The book "Alcoholics Anonymous" has a chapter entitled "Into Action". This is a book about doing. No matter what kind of 12 Step program you are in, koan practice will enhance your life.
