Recovery Dharma

Recovery Dharma is a peer-led movement and community that is unified by our trust in the potential of each of us to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction. We believe that the traditional Buddhist teachings, often referred to as the Dharma, offer a powerful approach to healing from addiction and living a life of true freedom.

We believe that recovery means empowerment, and we support each other as partners walking the path together. We believe that recovery is rooted in finding our own inner wisdom and individual journeys.

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.

In Recovery Dharma-inspired Core Integrity Yoga classes, participants practice asanas (poses) alongside meditations focused on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This integration helps individuals build self-awareness, self-compassion, inner peace and resilience in their recovery journey.

  • Recovery Dharma is a peer-led community that uses Buddhist teachings, known as the Dharma, to support recovery from addiction. It emphasizes empowerment, self-awareness, and finding one's inner wisdom to achieve freedom from the suffering of addiction.

  • Recovery Dharma draws on foundational Buddhist teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These principles provide a framework for understanding the causes of suffering and a path toward healing and liberation.

  • Unlike programs that rely on external guidance or traditional sponsorship, Recovery Dharma focuses on peer support and individual empowerment. It encourages participants to trust their inner wisdom and follow their unique recovery journey, grounded in mindfulness and meditation practices.

  • Recovery Dharma is inspired by Buddhism as a whole and honors its origins in India and the cultural contributions of regions such as South, East, Southeast, and Central Asia. While it draws from Buddhist principles, it is not bound to any specific tradition and is open to all, regardless of religious or spiritual background.

  • The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are core teachings in Buddhism that provide a framework for understanding and overcoming suffering. Here's an overview:

    The Four Noble Truths

    1. The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha)
      Life contains suffering, which can manifest as physical pain, emotional distress, dissatisfaction, or impermanence. Suffering is an inevitable part of existence.

    2. The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya)
      The root of suffering is craving (tanha) and attachment—our desire for pleasure, avoidance of pain, and clinging to impermanent things.

    3. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha)
      It is possible to end suffering by letting go of craving and attachment, achieving a state of liberation or peace, known as Nirvana.

    4. The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga)
      The way to overcome suffering is through the Eightfold Path, a practical guide to ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom.

    The Eightfold Path

    The Eightfold Path is divided into three categories: Wisdom (Prajna), Ethical Conduct (Sila), and Mental Discipline (Samadhi).

    1. Wisdom (Prajna)

    1. Right View
      Understanding the Four Noble Truths and the nature of reality.

    2. Right Intention
      Cultivating a mindset of compassion, non-harming, and renunciation of harmful desires.

    2. Ethical Conduct (Sila)

    1. Right Speech
      Speaking truthfully, kindly, and avoiding harmful or divisive language.

    2. Right Action
      Acting ethically by refraining from harming others, stealing, or engaging in harmful behaviors.

    3. Right Livelihood
      Choosing work that aligns with ethical principles and does not harm others or exploit living beings.

    3. Mental Discipline (Samadhi)

    1. Right Effort
      Developing wholesome qualities and letting go of unwholesome thoughts and actions.

    2. Right Mindfulness
      Practicing awareness of the present moment, body, mind, and surroundings without judgment.

    3. Right Concentration
      Cultivating focus and meditative absorption to deepen understanding and inner peace.

    Together, the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path offer a comprehensive philosophy and practice for addressing the root causes of suffering and achieving a meaningful, balanced, and liberated life.

  • This program integrates yoga asanas (poses) and breath-work (pranayama) with meditations based on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It helps participants develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience, enhancing their recovery journey through heart-centered physical and mental practices.