Frequently Asked Questions

What does dharma mean, and how does it relate to recovery?

Dharma is a Sanskrit word that means truth, phenomena, or the nature of things. When it is capitalized, Dharma usually means the teachings of the Buddha and the practices based on those teachings.

The Buddha realized that every one, to some degree, with craving - that powerful, sometimes overwhelming urge to change what we think, feel or do. Those of us who experience addiction often turn to substances or harmful behaviors in a regular way, hoping to achieve the change they crave.

Even though the Buddha didn't specifically mention addiction, he understood the obsessive nature of the human mind. He understood our attachment to pleasure and aversion to pain. He understood how far we were willing to go to get what we want, and how we run away from things we're afraid of. And he discovered a way to help.

How do I get started?

The best way to get started is to attend a meeting and dive in! We also have a number of resources available to help you understand the program and get started on your recovery journey.

Do I need to believe anything?

No, you don't need to believe anything. The Buddha himself encouraged people to test his teachings and verify them through personal experience. It's best to approach the teachings and practices with an open mind and a spirit of inquiry - see what works for you and leave behind what doesn't.

Do I have to be a Buddhist to participate?

No, you don't need to be a Buddhist to participate. Our meetings are open to anyone who is interested in exploring the teachings of the Buddha as they relate to recovery. These teachings, as we practice them, are fully compatible with any secular/religious affiliation. We welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The core practices of wisdom, ethics, and mindfulness are available to all beings.

What about other recovery programs?

We find that our program of recovery is compatible with many other approaches to recovery, and we encourage people to find the path that works best for them.

How do I work this program of recovery?

Following our program of recovery involves:

• Renunciation

  We commit to the intention of abstinence from alcohol and other addictive substances and behaviors.

• Meditation

  We commit to the intention of developing a daily meditation practice.

• Meetings

  We attend recovery meetings whenever possible, in person and/or online, and commit to becoming an active part of the community, offering our own experiences and service wherever possible.

• The Path

  We commit to deepening our understanding of the Four Noble Truths and to practicing the Eightfold Path in our daily lives.

• Inquiry and Investigation

  We explore the teachings of the Buddha as they relate to our addictive behavior through writing and sharing in-depth, detailed inquiries.

• Sangha, Wise Friends, Mentors

  We cultivate relationships within in our recovery community, to both support our own recovery and the recovery of others.

• Growth

  We continue our study of Buddhist principles and undertake a lifelong journey of growth and awakening.

What are the Four Noble Truths?

If anyone knows about suffering, it's people who have experienced the heedlessness of addiction. We may have tried to quit or control our behaviors repeatedly, yet the cycle persists.

But there is hope: the Buddha saw a clear way out of the cycle of suffering and developed the Four Noble Truths, which are the foundation of our program. They summarize the nature and cause of suffering, while also describing a way to end suffering.

Though they are called Truths, the Buddha famously told his followers not to blindly believe him! He said test them, verify them - only believe them once you directly experience them to be true.

1. There is suffering

   We experience suffering in this life.

2. There is a cause to suffering

   We understand that desire, aversion, and ignorance lead to suffering.

3. There is a way to end suffering

   We experience that less craving, aversion and ignorance lead to less suffering.

4. There is a path that leads to the end of suffering

   We cultivate this path of recovery.

This is simple framework has been tested and refined for over 2500 years. It is the basis of our program of recovery.

What is the Eightfold Path?

The Buddha taught that by living ethically, practicing meditation, and developing wisdom and compassion, we can end the suffering that is created by resisting, running from, and misunderstanding reality. We have found that these practices and principles can end the suffering of addiction. The Eightfold Path consists of the following:

• Wise Understanding

  We gain insight into the dynamics of cause and effect and the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and impersonal nature of life.

• Wise Intention

  We cultivate the intentions of wise restraint, generosity, kindness and compassion in an aspiration to let go of the causes of suffering.

• Wise Speech

  We practice openness, honesty, non-judgement and sensitivity to express what's truthful, kind, and timely as we speak outwardly to others as well as inwardly to ourselves.

• Wise Action

  We aim to conduct ourselves ethically without causing harm, taking what is not ours, dishonest and heedlessness.

• Wise Livelihood

  We work toward securing a source of income/livelihood that is legal, without coercion or violence, without trickery or deceit and causes no harm to ourselves and others.

• Wise Effort

  We develop the wisdom for discerning the appropriate action for any given circumstance or mental state and the ability to apply the most skillful means in each situation.

• Wise Mindfulness

  We develop wisdom through practicing formal and informal mindfulness meditation and investigation with openness and curiosity.

• Wise Concentration

  We train the mind to stay focused and undistracted. We connect with the life of freedom, solidity and peace.

How much does it cost?

Our meetings are always free to attend, though participants are encouraged to support any costs incurred by the meetings through dāna (generosity). This helps cover the costs of hosting and providing materials for our meetings, and also supports the larger Recovery Dharma community, which provides a wealth of free resources and support for people in recovery.