The Buddhist Eightfold Path has for centuries been conveniently reduced to three concepts: sila (good conduct), samadhi (peace through concentration), and prajna (wisdom). Each of the suggestions of the Eightfold Path fits neatly under one of these areas.

By a perhaps not enormous coincidence, these three areas correspond exactly with the last three Steps of Program. Good conduct is the province of Step 10, with its emphasis on watching our behavior and correcting it the minute it deviates into selfishness. Peace through concentration comes from prayer and meditation in Step 11. And Step 12 is shaped by the wisdom that comes from our spiritual awakening.

It's worth remembering that the Buddhists practice the Eightfold Path in order to bring an end to suffering. If they are correct, then presumably our practice of the last three Steps will achieve the same result. Perhaps this is why the AA Big Book says that, when we practice Step 11, "we are ... in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions." In other words, we reduce our suffering.

There is a little prayer you may know which also corresponds exactly with the last three Steps. It asks for serenity to accept the things I cannot change (Step 11), the courage to change the things I can (Step 10), and the wisdom to know the difference (Step 12). We recite the Serenity Prayer from the beginning of our recovery, but it's actually a commitment, a statement of willingness, to practice the last three Steps.