As a part of our Recovery Sangha, we are happy to host a number of Buddhist Recovery groups to support those who want to integrate Buddhist teachings and practices into a program of recovery. We encourage the use of mindfulness and meditation and are grounded in Buddhist principles of non-harming, compassion, & interdependence. Our groups are open to all people who suffer from any addiction or compulsive behavior and are looking for a comprehensive, transformative path to end their suffering. We are open to people of all backgrounds and recovery paths, including but not limited to all 12-Step programs. You need not be Buddhist nor in a 12 Step fellowship to participate and benefit. 

You may drop in on all of the groups at any point during the week. The various classes are as follows:

1. Sunday Recovery Sangha – Buddhist Step Study: Sunday 10AM - 11:30AM (Main Temple Hall & Zoom)
2. Recovery Dharma: Monday 7PM - 8PM (Buddha for You Hall)
3. Eightfold Path Recovery Group: Tuesday 7PM - 8PM (Buddha for You Hall)
4. 12 Step Zen: Wednesday 7PM -8:30PM (Zoom Only)
5. Recovery Dharma: Friday 7pm-8:15pm (Main Temple Hall)

See additional details below.

Sunday Recovery Sangha: Buddhist Step Study

Current meeting time(s): Sunday at 10 AM (In person AND virtual)

• Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6422099529?pwd=bldQS2RmSmFUemU2R2pyUUxVM3MrZz09 
• Meeting ID: 642 209 9529 Passcode: 903810

Class description

This recovery group is specific to the Dharma Bum Temple: “Buddhist Step Study" focuses on one a step a month, January through December, and uses a variety of books to study the traditional 12 Steps as outlined in “Alcoholics Anonymous,” drawing on Buddhism to highlight the similarities in each tradition to enhance the spiritual experience of the participant. The Buddhist Recovery Group is peer-led and open to all people who suffer from any addiction or compulsive behavior and are looking for a comprehensive, transformative path to end their suffering. People who are dealing with alcoholism, drug addiction, sex addiction, eating disorders, gambling, and other compulsive or harmful behaviors are all members of this group. Please join us in-person or via Zoom at the Dharma Bum Temple every Sunday at 10 AM. Take a journey of growth, healing and self-discovery. 

This group will serve the needs of two distinct groups: (1) Those people wishing to participate in a year-long step study, and (2) Those people wishing to join in periodically throughout the year.

Monthly Schedule: 1st Sunday: Introduce a new step (Step 1 = January, Step 2 = February) 2nd & 3rd Sunday’s: Topics will be varied on subjects of Buddhism & Recovery. 4th Sunday: Review of step & step work.

Suggested readings: "Mindfulness and the Twelve Steps" by Therese Jacobs-Stewart, "One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and The 12 Steps" by Kevin Griffin, "Buddhism & The Twelve Steps Workbook" by Kevin Griffin, "Recovering Joy" by Kevin Griffin as well as The Big Book and The 12 & 12.

Eightfold Path Recovery Group

Current meeting time(s): Tuesday at 7PM

Class description

The Eightfold Path Recovery Group meetings include a deeper exploration of Buddhist practice as well as "Sit and Share.” It is an evening of Dharma practice and discussion. This peer-lead group begins with a period of silent meditation after which the leader will introduce a topic for group sharing that may include the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Mindfulness, Loving-kindness, Compassion or other Buddhist topics from a recovery perspective.

Join us every Tuesday at 7pm for an evening of Dharma practice and discussion. The purpose of this ongoing weekly group is to support those who want to integrate Buddhist teachings and practices into their recovery. We encourage the use of mindfulness and meditation and are grounded in Buddhist principles of non-harming, compassion, and interdependence. Each gathering begins with a brief meditation with instructions. New meditators are always welcome. The Buddhist Recovery Group is open to all people who suffer from any addiction or compulsive behavior and are looking for a comprehensive, transformative path to end their suffering. We are open to people of all backgrounds and recovery paths, including but not limited to all 12-Step programs. This meeting is not meant to be a replacement for but rather a supplement to your recovery program.

“Consider the eight-part program laid down in Buddhism: Right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right living, right effort, right mindfulness and right contemplation. The Buddhist philosophy, as exemplified by these eight points, could be literally adopted by AA as a substitute for or addition to the Twelve Steps. Generosity, universal love and welfare of others rather than considerations of self are basic to Buddhism.” –Spiritual Milestones for Alcoholic Anonymous, Akron Pamphlets (1939)

Recovery Dharma

Current meeting time(s): Monday and Friday at 7PM

Class description

Recovery Dharma is an International network which uses a specific book and follows a specific format: see https://recoverydharma.org/ – Recovery Dharma offers an approach to recovery based on Buddhist principles. This program is peer-led and non-theistic. 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. We welcome all those who wish to pursue recovery as part of our community. If you are battling addiction of any kind, interested in meditation and/or Buddhism, or simply need a safe space on a Monday or Friday night we are here for you!

12 Step Zen – VIRTUAL ONLY

Current meeting time(s): Wednesday at 7 PM and Saturday at 10 AM

• Join via Zoom using the following link: https://zoom.us/j/142343741?pwd=QzR5eVZiYUdDQVB2aUNCVmpMbmw3QT09
• Meeting ID: 142 343 741 Passcode: 291689

Class description

Hosted by Peter Kuhn, 12-Step Zen offers the Dharma of Recovery from the Plum Village Zen perspective. Groups include sitting, Dharma talk and group sharing, utilizing specific Zen practice and traditional recovery. The group explores how an engaged practice of mindfulness, meditation and Buddha’s teachings can nourish our understanding and application of the 12 steps, help us grow spiritual awakening and cultivate freedom from all afflictions in our daily lives. This is not theory, it is measured by our ability to show up for life with greater intention, direction and enjoyment. All are welcome, you need not be Buddhist or in 12 Step recovery to join us.

Click below to view our Buddhist Step Work, Prayers, and other Online Recovery Resources!