Working with Addiction
Join Tory Street in a fascinating exploration of the interconnections between Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the teachings of Buddhism. A decade into discovering the Dharma, and 26 years since joining AA, Tory has been deeply intrigued by the striking parallels between AA’s approach to helping alcoholics and the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This raises an intriguing question: How did Bill Wilson, AA's founder who likely had little to no exposure to Buddhist teachings in 1935 America, come to develop principles that resonate so closely with Buddhist philosophy?
In this insightful discussion, Tory will narrate Bill Wilson's journey through despair and recovery, leading to the establishment of AA. Following this, Tory will share personal experiences with AA and the resonance with the Bodhisattva vows, including a personal commitment to these principles. Delving into this mystery that has long been a subject of curiosity, Tory will unveil insights into the similarities discovered between the two paths. The talk concludes with a comparison of literature from both AA and Buddhist teachings, highlighting their remarkable and inspiring similarities.
Location:
Tory will join us from Zoom, but we will live stream this at the Tallahassee Chan Center (1310 N Paul Russell Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32301)
Other Talks in the Series:
Caregiving and Chan by Raquel Lambert
Date & Time: March 12 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Working with Addiction by Tory Street
Date & Time: March 19 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
About Tory Street:
Tory Street
Tory discovered the Dharma 12 years ago through a book by Pema Chodron, leading her to immerse herself in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. After practicing Vipassana under Joseph Goldstein, she found her Dharma home through a course on Silent Illumination and Chan Buddhism taught by Guo Gu. Now a devoted student of Guo Gu, she is a member of the Tallahassee Chan Center's long-distance sangha.