“Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.” This is the prelude of “How it Works,” from chapter five in the “Big Book” of Alcoholics Anonymous. Rigorous honesty the central theme. And, of course, working the twelve steps. Steps aimed at deflating the ego—mind. The little self-will, ‘mind,’ run riot. Or, in different words, living by thought alone. The twelve step approach worked so well for AA, that many others afflicted with various maladies adopted the twelve step approach, and formed “self”-help groups to overcome their attachment to a specific thing. Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, and so on. The first three steps set the stage: 1) We admitted we were powerless over name a specific attachment—that our lives had become unmanageable. 2) Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3) Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him. The shortened mantra: “I can’t, God can, I’ll let him.” Surrender. Acknowledging the mind, ego, thought alone, can not solve the problem. A new approach to life is needed. Many Souls have humbly started their realization that a power far greater than themselves exists, via a twelve step program. Numerous basic principles and understandings of the One dwelling within us, got their start in a twelve step way of life. This page is about looking at the elementary similarities between the twelve step approach to God, and non duality concepts of God, and hopefully, beyond both—to All.
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Time is just a story. A story appearing in the eternal immediacy of nothing, no-thing; Intelligence-Energy. You! In AA, this principle gets its beginning foothold. “One day at a time,” the mantra. Upon waking, the ‘aspiring to be free of a specific attachment mind,’ looks to the day ahead, and makes a commitment—“Just for today, I will not take a drink (or drug)!” The AA sponsor (guru), a recovering alcoholic himself/herself, gives further sagely advice: “when the urge to drink/drug attacks, break the day down to the next hour, or even just the next minute when necessary, and if you’re still determined to take that drink/drug, call me first, anytime, day or night.” Unbeknownst to the newly recovering AA member, he/she is about to set in motion the Universal One engine of the Universe. One of the most powerful principles or laws of the Universe is engaging: Presence. And, as the disciple practices his sponsor’s advice, taking the internal struggle of taking that drink/drug, or not, down to the immediacy of the moment, another powerful principle or law of the Universe is lining up with being; the aspiring mind is re-calling, re-cognizing (Awareness) the teaching of how to not take that drink/drug (a happening). Unconsciously, the AA newbie has come into alignment with his/her True Nature—Reality, the One and only constant, the One existence everything is. Right here, right now—the new recoverie, doesn’t take a drink/drug (or does). Either way, an experience is born. And numerous similar experiences propels him/her along the road to recovery—or return to his/her suffering.
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Rigorous honesty, a central theme for the aspiring AA/NA member. And, Truth—in thought, word, and deed for the aspiring mind of a non dualist. Alcoholics/addicts are cunning individuals. They couldn’t practice their attachment otherwise. And they are highly motivated (compelled actually, they can’t not) to use their drug of choice whenever and wherever they please. Which is everywhere. Their shrewdness of how to use the drug they need, under watchful eyes around them, becomes an art. And their methods for obtaining the drug they need, knows very few bounds. Alcohol is a drug, perception altering, but legal. Easier to obtain usually. However, in the case of most alcoholics/addicts, if they’re out of drug and money at the same time, watch the valuables closely. A story circulates in the rooms of recovering AA and NA members: An alcoholic will steal your wallet, and when asked if he/she’s seen it, will adamantly deny seeing it, and tell you he/she’s sorry you lost it. An addict will steal your wallet, and when asked if he/she’s seen it, will adamantly deny seeing it, and then offer to help you find it. The alcoholic/addict mind, barely recognizes truth any longer. They’ve been lying to themselves, and denying their addiction to anyone who inquires or offers help for a long time. They actually do not see they have a problem, and their mind will always have an example to prove it, to you and themselves. Needless to say, rigorous honesty is a paramount cornerstone for recovery from drugs. When an acquaintance asks you, “how are you?” The rote answer is usually some form of, “fine thanks, how ‘bout you?” It’s the easier softer way not to be Real. A truly aspiring alcoholic/addict, when asked that question, say when entering a room where he/she just ducked in out of a rainstorm, would assess quickly, and answer with something like, “wet, you?” Rigorous honesty for the new AA/NA disciple has to start at this level of nitty-grittiness. This level of honesty must be grasped, applied, and allowed to grow, not only as it applies to the drug itself, but in all facets of his/her life, for successful recovery from alcohol and other drugs. The good news is: rigorous honesty leads to truth in thought, word, and deed (as and at an individual’s level) as the recoverie practices the twelve steps and applies them in his/her AA/NA lifestyle. For the non dual disciple, Truth is where it starts. Truth of who and what they really are. The mind of the individual is caught in the duality of the world, and is as addicted to the pleasures of the senses (external world), and control of the individual (me, my, mine, thoughts), as the alcoholic/addict’s mind is addicted to their drug. The external world is the drug to most so called people (individualism). Most individuals don’t seem to have any awareness whatsoever the problem could have anything to do with mind and perception. “Everybody grows up,” they tell themselves, and they look around at all the ‘grown-ups,’ and surrounds around them for confirmation. Falsely proving to themselves once again, it can’t be a mind/ego problem. “Everything seems to be working out there the same way I do;” referring to the other ‘grown-ups,’ institutions, corporations, churches, and the actions of societies as a whole—“Nope, everything’s normal here.” Some major tools of the ego are the human being’s ‘focused outwardly only’ senses, number one. Add to that, sloth, denial, disbelief, resentment, doubt, and a host of other thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. All I can say to the individual who is unwilling to look within for him/herself is: “I hope you’re enjoying all that suffering, because it really doesn’t have to be that way.” And, “thank you Universe, please forgive and be with them, and I.” I recently saw an illustration in a book that depicted a guru on one side of a river, and a disciple on the other. The balloon above the disciple asked, “how do I get to the other side?” The guru’s balloon stated, “you’re already on the other side.” That’s Reality; unknown till knowing! Tip: “I know this,” a concept. “I know that,” a concept. And, “I know,” the concept you have about yourself—all arise in the knowing.
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Recovery first, the motto in AA/NA. The One, without a second, the mantra of a non dualist. The alcoholic/addict is an egomaniac with an inferiority complex. The mind of an autonomous ‘person’ is ego. A variant in degree only, of darkness veiling the True identity in both. The drug addicted individual has no, to fleeting thoughts that there could be a power greater than him/herself. The ‘person,’ has misdirected, vague, or no, to fleeting concepts of creator/creation/existence/god. The aspiring addicted mind, desires freedom from the misery his/her alcohol, or other drug use causes. The aspiring individual, desires freedom from the misery their own mind (thoughts) causes (usually). One of the first delusions the newly recovering AA/NA devotee is confronted with is: accepting and making real, that a power greater than her/himself exists. This needs to be a reality that can be one hundred percent accepted by the alcoholic/addict’s mind. This concept needs only a crack, the tiniest of openings in the closed-down addicted mind. There are minuscule first higher powers that get through: Electricity; the not knowing how it works, but the inability to deny it works, a higher power for some. Two heads are better than one; undeniable to some, and therefore a higher power to them. And so on. With the ‘person,’ the individual is identified with (addicted to) his/her ego. For the aspiring non dualist, the crack/opening of ego (mind) is usually via negative applications; letting go of what he/she is not—and/or, inquiry; if not this body/mind/me, who or what am I? The ego here, must have one hundred percent acceptance it does not exist, for ultimate Self realization to occur. For most, one hundred percent acceptance does not come all at once. For the majority of individuals, it is a gradual acceptance of Reality. In a similar fashion, but with a greater degree of focus, the electricity example above applies to the aspiring mind in search of non duality (or awareness); who has a vague or general understanding of a higher power than themselves concept (god in most cases), but can not intellectualize or explain how it works. And, at the same time, can not deny their own existence (I am); or the existence of everything they see and think they know about the world, universe, and beyond. For the recovering alcoholic/addict, it’s a one day at a time, to an in-the-moment of craving, immediate decision making, to use or drink again, or not. For the non dualist, it’s the depth of conviction in their own individualism, and the developing discernment of the teaching/pointings towards Reality. Of course, in Reality, the bottom line for both is: the understanding or happening will happen, if it is intended to happen.
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“This too shall pass.” An appropriately adopted adage by most twelve step groups. For the newly recovering alcoholic/addict, a needed tool in memory. For, from the mundanest daily task, to the intensity of craving the drug itself, the AA/NA recoverie is experiencing everything—relationship, action, thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc.., without his/her relied on buffer. Many for the first time since puberty. Stress and flare-up happens; with limited coping skills to handle it. For the aspiring non dualist, life situations present challenges also. The identified self, the mind/ego object, does not want to let go of control. This personal identity can be more commanding than any drug. As the drug stupored ‘mind’ of a chemically dependent individual, is feeding it’s victim the message: “alcohol and drugs make me happy,” so is the tenacious ego of the non dual disciple, clinging desperately to it’s autonomy as ‘a person.’ It is mind’s unconscious belief, “I am the sole thinker,” that causes the identification with: ‘me’! The self-serving mind will use its entire arsenal of diversions and subterfuge to interfere and prevent being looked at. The only thing the ego can not endure is being scrutinized. The false can not hold up in the face of examination. Does stress and flare-up occur? Yes! Besides the conventional definition of stress, for a disciple of ‘freedom from mind,’ stress is also defined as the body/mind object being out of alignment with the natural order of nature (the universal flow of things). Needless to say, both struggling human beings have a ‘difficult road to hoe.’ But the reward reaped, for the ones who stay the course: IMMENSE! When the ego/mind attacks, the same wise adage may serve well the aspiring non dualist; “This to shall pass.” For the alcoholic/addict, the twelve promises from chapter six of the Big Book of AA are realized: 1) “We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.” 12) “We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.” And the ten between. For the non dualist, words fall short of describing the awakening to our true identity. Least said, ‘Self’ realization is realized (fulfilled). Most said, ‘Self’ actualization happens (Reality). May the beingness, consciousness, and bliss of Self—go with us all.
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In AA, most groups close their meeting by standing and joining hands in a circle, and recite the Lord’s Prayer. Often, following the “amen,” hands still joined and pumping, with heads up from prayer and looking around the inner circle at each other, another incantation is said in unison: “Keep coming back, it works if you work it.” Most anyone can ‘talk the talk’ of a teaching. For the A&D recoverie, and the aspiring non dualist, it’s not only about learning the talk (concept), but putting the talk into practice. In AA/NA, one hears this expressed from time-to-time as; “walking the talk.” The same reminder is heard within non dual teachings in various ways. In both sects, it reminds the inspired aspirie, the teaching is to be internalized; lived from. In AA it’s stated as, “traveling the twelve inches from head to heart.” In non dualism, “living from being,” “our natural state,” “awareness,” and others. In AA/NA, the overall living is thought of as the ‘recovery lifestyle,’ or ‘living the twelve steps.’ For the non dualist, ‘Self realization,’ ‘the understanding,’ ‘awakening,’ ‘enlightenment,’ and more. Point being, for both disciples, experiential; living from within. The without will naturally follow.
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Step four of twelve in AA/NA: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” The dreaded step of most new to recovery. The alcoholic/addict knows their immorality. Knows it internally, but driven by need of their drug, can’t help themselves, and denies its effect. Hides their deceitfulness outwardly, while living in misery and despair within. This may sound familiar to the non dual newbie, in search of that illusive goal—lasting happiness. The effects reaped by a lifetime of looking without for it; money, relationships, power, recognition—whatever their “drug,” sorrow, sadness, pity and pain always returns. Chasing happiness without in things but always returning inwardly to dejection. For both, looking within, the answer. To the center of being, the soul, the spirit, or essence of God. The Self within, the center place, their only salvation. Comfort found in One.
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“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” The eleventh step of AA. To actively seek God for oneself (One Self). How? Alone time with Him/Her. One on One time. ‘Seeking conscious contact.’ ‘Knowledge of his will for us, and the power to carry that out.’ This is the basis for true understanding. Whether practicing attainment via the twelve steps or non dualism teachings, the one true way to realize our oneness with our maker is solitude with him/her—THAT. Talking to silently. And listening to within, silently. Whatever our ideal of what that power that permeates everything is. We are an expression of It. Conscious contact, meditation, contemplation, whatever words one uses. One on one time, time spent alone with our focus on our relationship to that unknown power is crucial for our understanding. I am That, I and the father are one, individual Self/Universal Self. Words don’t matter. Quiet dialogue within, one on one relationship within, getting ‘in touch’ within, communion within, be a yogi, meditate, and on and on. All words pointing to the action of. Only pointers to—Experiencing, One on Oneing, Being! Maybe the Nike shoes slogan can help here: “Just Do It!” … Be It. It’s (what we are) the action of. We are not a noun. We are a verb! Sat-chit-Ananda—Sat: truth, absolute being or existing– that which is enduring and unchanging. Chit: understanding, consciousness and comprehension. Ananda: loving to be, bliss, happiness, joy.
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Step 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Step 6. We’re entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Step 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. For the aspiring AA/NA recoverie, upon completion of his/her moral inventory, there are deep feelings of shame, guilt, and remorse. Many eagerly anticipate step five as a means of cleansing or healing. And, unconsciously, as a means of dealing with the thoughts and feelings that arose and accompanied coming face-to-face with reality. The ego is greatly humbled by admitting numerous acts of immorality to another human being in the presence of God (Self). Which, as the aspiring non dualist knows, God is always present and aware within (Beingness). Step six comes as a matter of course for each aspirer. For the truly committed twelve stepper, following their contemplation of step five and six, asking God to remove their shortcomings comes naturally and humbly. And continues for life. There is a seamless transition of this practice carried forward in various modes of spiritual learnings and practices, that for some, finds a perfect melding into non dual principles. As the aspiring practitioner of non duality knows, utilizing other words of course, we are continually on the lookout for shortcomings (false beliefs) in ourselves, and continually asking God (Self) to remove them. We are all human in this world, as well as aspiring Beings within. Whether focused on one specific attachment, or attachments of life times, each of us is evolving. The only difference between us, what rung of consciousness we currently occupy on the evolutionary ladder.
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As the fog is lifting from the new 12 stepper’s uninebriated mind, the mind, doing what the mind does, begins to plague the newly recovering alcoholic/addict with memories. Memories of the ones he or she has hurt. Some vague, some crystal clear. Some new, some from his/her fourth step. In the eighth step of AA, he/she is asked to make a list of all the people they have harmed, and to become willing to make amends to them all. This seems like a daunting task. But, as the non dualist is well aware, the mind is more than willing to oblige the recoverie in this task, and remind him/her of just how self centered they’ve been. Remorse naturally follows. The twelve step program allows for resolve within its ninth step. Making direct amends wherever possible. This is where the non dualist practice of discrimination takes its root from, in the newly recovering devotee. Making amends in person where and when possible, without concern for their own well being. Or by sharing their wrong doings with their sponsor, or the written word, when not. The one they harmed, and what they can do to correct their injustice, the only goal in any direct method of approach. For the non dualist, discretion is practiced prior to action. The doctor’s oath, the same for the practicing yogi; “do no harm.” Then act. For faith without right action is naught. When established in Consciousness the yogi can do no harm. The act itself originates from the intelligent Self. The Changeless One within. For both the recovering twelve stepper, and the non dualist, discrimination is a life long process. As well as action. The human being is compelled to act. It’s our very nature. The AA/NA way of life, has another step to guide the 12 stepper’s acts, and also provides for a remedy when they fall short of the goal, the tenth step (which will be discussed later). The non dualist also has guidance. The ancient scriptures tell of right action, wrong action, and the way to discriminate between each. Reading and absorbing the ancient teachings is a direct path to knowledge. The aspiring non dualist also has access to new and modern modes of attainment. Listening to, or reading the retold truths of old, presented in a new way, a new telling, a new light. The internet, books, in person, in groups (satsangs), all excellent modes of remembering truth. The Truth is always unchanging. Only exists. Pointing the way for all.
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From the short form of the twelve traditions of AA: “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” Placing principles before personalities. What is this but the precursor to recognizing the Self in each human being? Place the concealed spiritual principle that underlies AA, before the personality of the individual member. And there is quite the caste of personas present in AA. A microcosm of the macrocosm. From doctors, lawyers, and politicians, to conmen, hoodlums, and scoundrels. AA, and therefore its members, rely on unity for their common welfare. All are as One. This is stated in the first tradition: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.” The aspiring twelve stepper, who has genuinely practiced the AA traditions, has a ‘leg-up,’ so to speak, on seeing through the multiplicity of personalities unique to each individual. Grasping the concept of Oneness, a universal Self lying dormant in each individual, follows the same principles before personalities ideal laid out for them in AA. Of course the concept still has to be realized. Transcend the intellect alone. The former twelve stepper finds, though not so much the egomaniac they once were, the ego has not vacated its position. At this point in the recoveries’s evolution, God has removed the compulsion to use or drink, and is revealing to the aspiring seeker of God, the world of attachments to which they’re mind is still enslaved. And, as the non dualist knows, and the AA convertee is learning, attachment to the world of objects via the senses is ego’s domain. Whether a twelve step convertee, a disillusioned seeker, or a bankrupt soul, the non dual doorstep is not a place just randomly landed upon. If the human being has been led to the doorway, it is a blessing from God that should not be ignored. In AA, there’s a saying: the alcoholic/addict should lay hold of the program with all the veracity of a drowning person grasping hold of a life preserver with. I’m here to say the same thing about non duality. The parallels between the twelve step program, and the latent Reality veiled by duality, can not be dismissed as mere coincidence. At least not from the viewpoint of this practitioner of both. As I’ve said before, words are just words, not truth. Truth can not be spoken. But words can be used as pointers. And this writer sees the words below as such. Words pointing towards the One inevitable Truth. Strike the words “of Alcoholics Anonymous” from the following passage, and the words point to Truth for all.
The 12th tradition of AA, long form
“And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.”
One with God are we all. To know this, be this, the blessing.
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At the core of the AA program, the newly indoctrinated member must come to grips with their total inability to use any mind altering substances. Less they’ll find their way back to their preferred escape route, usually referred to in AA and NA as their ‘drug of choice.’ Complete acceptance of this fact is essential for progress in recovery to be made. Acceptance, on many levels, becomes an intricate part of the recoverie’s new way of life. As well as in the life of a practicing non dualist. In both re-learnings, the following words from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition may be useful:
“And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation – some face of my life – unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake...”
Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake! If it happens, if it occurs, if any action takes place, or any inaction for that matter, it is by the unseen hand of God doing or not doing the functionality. There is no, nor has there ever been, a personal doer that does or doesn’t do anything. You have been lived all the way through. From the time the sperm and the ovum came together, as Sailor Bob puts it, through now. And you will always be lived by the one and only ONE, that is all there is. Life, or the Life Essence (God), flowing through, powering and animating the multiplicity of beings. The words are plain. The words are simple: —“God’s world”!— Not ours. Not yours. Not mine.
Acceptance is the key, Forgiveness the function
—Memos from Heart
Though not consciously aware at the time my hand scribed this Memo from Heart, truth taken onboard from the AA Big Book, and assimilated through living the program, had merged with the truth obtained, and unified within, coming from the teachings of A Course in Miracles Workbook for Students. Lesson 62 states: “Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world” (several more lessons are centered upon forgiveness as well). Ever evolving understanding, The Way of our Father, or any other concept you choose to call That. The non dualist teaching, and our goal, is to accept the ‘what is’ as being perfect as is. Not relating anything to, what I now call, memory-mind, to be liked or disliked. Not wanting for anything to be any different than what it is in this present moment. Pain, pleasure—no different. Good, bad—no different. This, that—no different. It is, the what is. Accept it just as it is now, as quickly as possible. Any delay is only memory-mind resistance. The always evolving being (a verb) we are, the practice we practice of following the teachings (The Way), don’t just parallel, but merge together within and pull us along to ever deepening understandings. So, how does acceptance and forgiveness interact within us? The answer is: they merge. For what is acceptance, but forgiveness? And what is forgiveness, but acceptance? And, from a non dualist viewpoint, what is, the ‘what is,’ but the integration and assimilation of acceptance and forgiveness within. Mind creates a false belief that veils this universal truth, telling us that the individual is in control, the master of his/her world. This false message sets up comparison and competition between beings. But when seen through, that in Truth nobody knows what Reality is, we can accept the fact that we are not in control and forgive ourselves the fact that we don’t know. When we forgive ourselves for not knowing, it naturally follows that we forgive others for not knowing. We accept them as is (even when they’re mind continues to deceive them). Competition falls away in the light of acceptance and forgiveness. Comparing ourselves to others, as a means of identifying who we are, vanishes. Both, comparing and competing dissolve as we come into harmony with the natural order of things. The universal order (dharma). We live in God’s world, God’s illusion, God’s projection, or whatever you want to call it. By any words, it’s a divine mystery. Nobody knows. Only mind continues in vain to explain what it can never comprehend. The world is undeniable to our senses. It appears to all. The Reality is within, and must be sought. The Truth within has influence without. ‘The Way’ has many ways. Follow your Inner Truth. Right here, right now, you are that Truth. OM may peace be with you
Writer’s note: I feel the pull to include a disclaimer. I am not endorsing or suggesting any single method of pursuing who and what you are by including a part of my story above. Such is only how this body/mind was led and followed. Listen within yourself and follow only That. Your Inner Truth is the One and Only True Guide.
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The tenth step of AA is a daily reconciliation of thoughts, words, and deeds. Early re-learning does not come easily for most twelve steppers. So riddled with wrong thought patterns, wrong action naturally follows behind. Enter step ten: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.” The committed AA/NA follower develops the habit of reviewing his/her day prior to sleeping. With rigorous honesty employed, if they have not already seen their mistakes during the day, in words said or deeds done, they come to light when reflected upon at night. To have to correct these mistakes is humiliating to the ego. The devotee must literally face his/her shortcoming, usually with another person, and admit they’re wrong. No ego wants to admit openly to its deception. By actively practicing this step, the recoverie learns it is easier to be truthful from the start, than to have to backtrack and admit to another they lied or deceived or manipulated to gain advantage. The genuine practice of this step is the ‘Great Teacher’ of transformation in character. Humbling as it is. From a non dualist’s viewpoint, AA’s 10th step is the forerunner of sincere communion with God. Truth in thought, word, and deed. For the Self can not deceive the Self in truth. In India, Hinduism utilizes the doctrine of two Selfs. The word Brahman is used to point to the infinite nature of God, and the word Atman represents the True Nature of each human being laying latent within. Atman is only a convenient term, a name or word utilized to represent the life flowing within us, animating and functioning the body object. In reality there is only One. Therefore Brahman and Atman are One. The within and without are One. The two words pointing to the same One Truth. And where the two touch, the within and without, the place where they merge with each other, in contemplation, meditation, and communion, is the (re)union with what we actually are. No longer deceived by the ego, we are not fooled by the senses any longer. We are That which we sought. I am That! You are That! Everything is THAT! To live from this Truth, this realization, that God and man are One and the same, is the Holy Grail. The non dualist’s dream—God Consciousness. One Self. One being. Just this, nothing else.