• The Zen of Recovery

  • By: Mel Ash
  • Narrated by: Kevin Young
  • Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (245 ratings)

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The Zen of Recovery

By: Mel Ash
Narrated by: Kevin Young
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Editorial reviews

Mel Ash’s The Zen of Recovery brings the spiritual dimension to recovery, as it seeks the middle ground between 12-step programs and Zen Buddhism.

The three-part structure of The Zen of Recovery is based on an old Zen story. The first part features a background section about Zen Buddhism and Ash’s own gripping personal story of alcoholism. This section is followed by a collection of exploratory essays dealing with issues faced by people in recovery. The third section offers practical advice on applying Zen to the recovering listener’s life.

Kevin Young imparts gravitas and intimacy to this revealing and unabridged guide to spirituality and recovery.

Publisher's summary

Zen mind connects to the heart of recovery in this compelling blend of East and West. Courageously drawing from his lifetime of experience as an abused child, alcoholic, Zen student, and dharma teacher, author Mel Ash gives listeners a solid grounding in the Twelve Steps and the Eightfold Path and shows their useful similarities for those in recovery.

©1993 Mel Ash (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The Zen of Recovery

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Useful bridge in early recovery

Where does The Zen of Recovery rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a very specific book I wouldn't recommend to anyone not actively attending 12-step meetings who doesn't already have some knowledge of Buddhist practice and teachings. If you do have these two qualifications, the book can be immensely helpful in helping you process the steps and make working them part of your daily practice.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I appreciated Mel's anecdotes and examples and would have happily listened to more of them. The author has a wonderfully casual sense of humor that helps remove the pressure from what can feel like very serious work.

Which character – as performed by Kevin Young – was your favorite?

The narrator spoke for the author with complete authority. His performance is so natural, it's easy to forget the voice you are hearing is not that of Mel Ash.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Zen of Recovery?

I did not actively try to assimilate the book but let it wash over me and seep into my subconscious. One thing perhaps is the sense that a higher power can be anything or anyone as long as it is beyond you, that is outside of you. After watching Pride and Prejudice recently, I decided my higher power looks like Laurence Olivier's Darcy in the sense that if Larry were to turn his eyes upon you and look directly at you, it would feel like what it must feel like to have God look at you. This heart pounding exhilaration and all consuming warm glow. Silly, maybe, but its nice to have the visual image and this little joke to pull out my pocket when the idea of God seems too intangible to apply to everyday life.

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14 people found this helpful

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It makes so much sense...

Wow! This is what I have been looking for to bridge the gap between my spiritual journey and the twelve steps. So powerful! I laughed and cried. I backed it up several times because the message that i heard was so inspiring.

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Great Book

If you could sum up The Zen of Recovery in three words, what would they be?

This is a good experience. The combining of Zen Philosophy and AA 12 step Recovery program is a natural fit. It's was a great source of support in my own recovery practice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was very easy and calming to listen to.

Any additional comments?

I would recomend this book to anyone that would like to get better insight into themselves and the world around them.

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excellent merger of recovery and Zen

I enjoyed the entire book. I recommend this to any alcoholic struggles with Step 11

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Amazing

Written from the knowledge that came from personal suffering and the willingness to live meaningfully

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Very helpful in my search for spirituality <br />

Well written and spoken helped me on my journey in my recovery and spiritual growth.

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Recovering Addict

When someone is an addict, it’s really hard to listen to people who sit on a pedestal and say their whole lives they’ve been pure or have never really dealt with the crippling disease of addiction. This book is like broken pottery that has been fixed and is now more beautiful than before. Mel Ash, truly, thank you for sharing your experience unashamed and without condemnation or judgement. You have truly helped open my eyes and I wish nothing, but to try and live each day as if each morning I am born again. May you be peaceful, may you find happiness, and may you be loved.

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A must read

I have listened to this book several times and I am not ready to put it down. like a delicious food that is hitting the spot, this book is doing just that 👌🏽

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Whatever your fellowship, this book has wisdom to offer

I can't really say enough positive things about this book. It has been a wonderful guide to working the 11th step and practicing the 12 step principals in all of my affairs. I hope others traveling a similar path to me find as much peace and insight as I have from this book.

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GREAT Addition to my RECOVERY library!

I found his story of what it was like what happened and what it's like now very compelling and his interpretation of the 12 steps very insightful instruction for meditation quit
e helpful glad I listened glad I shared

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