Theos-Talk Archives (May 2011 Message tt00096)

I found the reference to Jung and AA at

http://www.cgjungpage.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=704&Itemid=40 
<http://www.cgjungpage.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=704&Itemid=40>


So, the idea is more or less that inner-experience of "god" that is in 
"each of use" can be captured, encouraged and used to transform one's self.

I think that the key "AA" approach (dynamical method) is to believe in a 
higher power first (an atheist can use Science and Logic as a higher 
power?) which then allows one to seek help "from",  "through" and 
"within"  as an Atman approach to self-identity  and self-realization 
from an addiction. Christian "Faith" (not my favorite flavor of 
spiritual approach) behaves similarly,  in a sense.

There is some concepts that AA teaches people to find god "outside" 
themselves. However, one has to understand that the program is built to 
apply to everyone, such as very non-spiritual people, and somehow "boot" 
them into a spiritual existence. It is definitely exoteric on the 
surface. However the AA members I have talked to (not average AA 
members)  state that it can lead to an esoteric-like existence. New Age 
books have been written to guide one to your inner power/atman by a 
12-step-like program.....  I remember those. I think that is what 
several people saw happen.

One can only halt drug relapse by understanding the world they live in 
(MHO). Flip burgers, empty trash, all at minimum wage for a boss who 
makes a lot of money... Or, sell drugs and make lots of money.

What about stress? Why do people over eat, smoke, drink etc. They are 
coping responses to the outside world (or, often are). That would put 
stress as the number 1 killer in society.

peace