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Drug Addicts to Zen

BlackFlagBlackFlag
edited March 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I have a friend who is a recovering drug addict. She just got out of detox and is waiting to be transferred to a rehab. She has expressed an interest in meditation so I was thinking of taking her to the zen center I go to so she can learn how. Is this a bad idea? I don't think it will hurt anyone, but I can't be too careful. What do you guys think?

Comments

  • RenGalskapRenGalskap Veteran
    edited February 2010
    BlackFlag wrote: »
    I have a friend who is a recovering drug addict. She just got out of detox and is waiting to be transferred to a rehab. She has expressed an interest in meditation so I was thinking of taking her to the zen center I go to so she can learn how. Is this a bad idea? I don't think it will hurt anyone, but I can't be too careful. What do you guys think?
    There's no harm in it. But don't expect miracles. Zazen isn't a magic cure for addiction. There have been a number of Zen masters who were alcoholics.
  • selfbiasresistorselfbiasresistor
    edited February 2010
    I believe that she would benefit from exposure to zen, not just the meditation factor but also the spiritual side. A lot of "12 step" programs have a background in Christianity and a lot of people benefit from those. So maybe spiritualism has something to help one through there times. Hopefully she can work through her addictions.

    Peace,

    Levi
  • AnupassīAnupassī
    edited February 2010
    I don't expect harm, either. The specifics of the situation would depend on the personality of the recovering individual, however.
  • not1not2not1not2 Veteran
    edited February 2010
    I don't think there would be any harm in trying, just keep in mind that sometimes meditation can make things more intense for the individual. So just keep an eye on it. Doing some shorter sitting periods won't likely cause too many problems.
  • BrotherBobBrotherBob
    edited March 2010
    i know more than one zen monk/priest who regularly attend recovery meetings. it's also, required, of former abusers, by one teacher i know.
  • motosyko628motosyko628
    edited March 2010
    BlackFlag have you read any of Noah Levines books by chance? He's a former drug addict and spent years in and out of prison. Now he's a Buddist teacher and counselor. I really enjoyed his stuff.
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited March 2010
    It's worth a shot, but remember, it's her responsibility. It probably won't take if she's not interested enough to go herself.
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