The Zen Way of Recovery, with Laura Burges | Flourishing After Addiction #37

"Buddhism did not cure my alcoholism"

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Before spending three years in a Buddhist monastery and becoming a 3rd grade teacher, Laura Burges was exploring the world of alcohol and drugs, from opium dens in Afghanistan to a tent in Juneau, Alaska. After near-death experiences—such as blacking out and crawling through the snow—she realized she needed a spiritual solution to her addiction. This realization led her to deeply commit to Soto Zen practice. However, as she writes, "Buddhism did not cure my alcoholism." For her, something more was needed.

Now a lay entrusted dharma teacher in the Soto Zen tradition, Ryuko Laura Burges has a new book, The Zen Way of Recovery. In our interview, we discuss her journey, the challenges she faced, and Buddhist understandings of addiction. We explore working with the self, addressing everyday addictions like doomscrolling, and finding the balance between sticking with your path versus seeking other teachings. We also touch on the concepts of tanha (thirst/craving), shenpa (sticky, afflictive emotions), radical responsibility, and the paramitas, which are moral practices essential for recovery.

Quick reminder: join me on Sunday, September 8th, at 12 PM Eastern Time (9 AM Pacific) for From Recovering to Flourishing: A Foundational Workshop.

Ryuko Laura Burges, a lay entrusted dharma teacher in the Soto Zen tradition, teaches classes, lectures, and leads retreats in Northern California. Her latest book from Shambhala Publications is The Zen Way of Recovery, an Illuminated Path Out of the Darkness of Addiction. She lives in San Francisco.

In this episode:

 - Meditation in Recovery program at San Francisco Zen Center (hybrid/online twice a month)

 - that group’s very good, free PDF publication: 9 Essays: Buddhism & The 12 Step Model of Recovery 

Laura’s books:

 - Buddhist Stories for Kids: Jataka Tales of Kindness, Friendship, and Forgiveness 

 - Zen for Kids

 - The Zen Way of Recovery: An Illuminated Path Out of the Darkness of Addiction

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Reminder: join me for a live workshop, From Recovering to Flourishing: A Foundational Workshop, on Sunday, September 8th, at 12 PM Eastern (9 AM Pacific). This 90-minute interactive event is primarily for clinicians but suitable for the public—it’s for anyone curious about the evolving science of recovery and personal change. Expect engaging exercises, practical strategies, short, high-yield presentations, and lively discussions in a small group setting.

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