“So cooperate; never criticize. To be helpful is our only aim.” (Chapter Seven, Big Book)
“The Concepts try to design a structure in which all may labor to good effect, with a minimum of friction. This is accomplished by so relating our servants to their work and to each other that the chances of personal conflict will be minimized.” (Bill Wilson’s essay on the Twelve Concepts)
The Japanese word 葛藤 means either conflict (pronounced ‘kattoo’) or a complex intertwined relationship (pronounced ‘tsudzurafuji’). The two characters refer to two different types of plant, Japanese arrowroot and wisteria, respectively, whose vines tend to get entangled in fields.
When I am in conflict with someone, the boundary between my territory and theirs is blurred or being fought over. What’s the answer? The Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts.