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Big Book Topics for study, meditation or use with a sponsee (from our online literature study guide at aabookclub.org): Causes, Effects, and Results Two of the members of Alcoholics Anonymous came to see me. They grinned, which I didn't like so much, and then asked me if I thought myself alcoholic and if I were really licked this time. I had to concede both propositions. They piled on me heaps of evidence to the effect that an alcoholic mentality, such as I had exhibited in Washington, was a hopeless condition. They cited cases out of their own experience by the dozen. This process snuffed out the last flicker of conviction that I could do the job myself. (Page 42) We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God. (Page 46) Do not let any prejudice you m...
AA literature and history together - Read Bill's 1948 Grapevine article on Tradition Nine: Tradition Nine The least possible organization, that's our universal ideal. No fees, or dues, no rules imposed on anybody, one alcoholic bringing recovery to the next; that's the substance of what we most desire, isn't it? But how shall this simple ideal best be realized? Often a question, that. We have, for example, the kind of AA who is for simplicity. Terrified of anything organized, he tells us that AA is getting too complicated. He thinks money only makes trouble, committees only make dissension, elections only make politics, paid workers only make professionals, and clubs only coddle slippers. Says he, let's get back to coffee and cakes by cozy firesides. If any alcoholics stray our way, let's look after them. But that's enough. Simplicity is our answer. Quite opposed to such halcyon simplicity is the AA promoter. Left to himself, he would "ban...
Dr. Bob is not known for his writings, but here is an article he wrote in 1944 for the Grapevine: On Cultivating Tolerance By Dr. Bob S. Copyright © AA Grapevine, Inc, July 1944 During nine years in AA, I have observed that those who follow the Alcoholics Anonymous program with the greatest earnestness and zeal not only maintain sobriety but often acquire finer characteristics and attitudes as well. One of these is tolerance. Tolerance expresses itself in a variety of ways: in kindness and consideration toward the man or woman who is just beginning the march along the spiritual path; in the understanding of those who perhaps have been less fortunate in education advantages; and in sympathy toward those whose religious ideas may seem to be at great variance with our own. I am reminded in this connection of the picture of a hub with its radiating spokes. We all start at the outer circum...
Buddhism and the Big Book is our original study of AA's Twelve Steps, comparing them with the Buddhist spiritual teachings in the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. Here is an except: Though these terms are understood differently, the journey from delusion to awakening in each tradition [AA and Buddhism] includes several common principles. For example: * Realization of the need for a spiritual solution * Commitment to pursue that solution * Assessments of one's personal faults * Willingness and effort to be rid of these faults * Continuous monitoring of one's mental and emotional state * Practice and improvement in awareness of a Reality greater than the physical. These and other principles are practiced in different ways, often in ...
