Recovery Dharma
Using Buddhist Practices and Principles to Recover from Addiction
Our program
Recovery Dharma offers an approach to recovery based on Buddhist principles. Our program is peer-led and non-theistic. We welcome all those who wish to pursue recovery as part of our community.
The six readings linked below highlight the basic principles and practices of this program. Each concept provides an opportunity to deepen understanding, explore personal inquiry, and connect with others.
Recovery Dharma is founded on, and inspired by, Buddhism that originated in India and later on flourished in other regions of Asia (e.g., South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia). We deeply appreciate the Buddhist heritage that was protected and freely offered by the ancestors of these cultures.
The Practice
An outline of the actions we take as members of this program to help heal ourselves from the suffering of addiction.
The Four Noble Truths
The first, basic teaching from the Buddha that outlines our path of recovery.
Eightfold Path
Eight areas of practice and study.
Core Intentions
Our commitment to standards for how our global sangha operates.
Meditation
A collection of meditations created by the RD community, an essential tool in our program.
Dedication of Merit
We remind ourselves of the benefits of our practice and then dedicate it to all living beings.
See a complete list of our resources
our community
Recovery Dharma Global is a nonprofit organization that maintains a list of Recovery Dharma meetings, shares materials, and organizes events to explore and strengthen the Recovery Dharma program.
Recovery Dharma Sangha Groups are local members who join together to support each other on this path of recovery. Members form wise friendships, and organize gatherings such as weekly meetings, workshops and other events.
Local Sangha Groups are autonomous. (self-governing).
Recovery Dharma Intersanghas are groups of groups.
Sometimes they organize geographically, such as around a city or region. Other times they organize by topics of recovery, affinity groups or circles of interest. Intersanghas are autonomous (self-governing).
Meeting List
Find meetings to connect with people in the Recovery Dharma community.
Book
An introduction and guide to the Recovery Dharma program.
Beginner’s Guide
A collection of resources and information for people new to Recovery.
Sangha Groups Guide
A collection of resources for members who want to start and grow meetings. This section also includes resources for Sanghas who want to organize their meetings into Inter-Sanghas.
Core Intentions
Intentions, Statements and Practices to ensure that this is a safe, welcoming and effective sangha.
Events
Upcoming town halls, trainings, and conferences.
Service
A collection of resources for those who want to help with organizing the ongoing structure and future of Recovery Dharma through volunteer work with the Board, Circles and Regions.
Friends and Mentors
A collection of ideas and resources for those who want to engage in the practice of meeting with wise friends and Mentors.
Treatment and Corrections
A collection of ideas and resources for those who want to reach out to others who are living in treatment and correction facilities.
seeking refuge
Opportunities for healing begin with the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (the path), and the Sangha (community).
Buddha
We take refuge in our own capacity to heal and recover.
Buddha Practice
We cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves through meditation, inquiry, and renunciation of harmful and intoxicating behaviors and substances.
Dharma
With the Dharma, or the path, we seek refuge in the Buddhist teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Dharma Practice
We deepen our understanding of these principles through, studying these teachings.
Sangha
One of the most integral supports to our recovery is community, known traditionally as the "sangha" in Buddhism.
Sangha Practice
We attend meetings and cultivate deeper connections with Wise Friends and Mentors.
generosity
We have found that one of the sources of deepest healing and connection comes from the practice of sharing what has been so freely offered to us.
latest article
Introducing the Second Edition of the Recovery Dharma Book!
We are excited to announce the release of the Second Edition of “Recovery Dharma: How to Use Buddhist Practices and Principles to Heal the...
