Join us for a practical and engaging discussion on how the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings can be applied to the 12 steps of recovery. This integration can help individuals – and society – overcome addiction’s suffering and realize the power of awakening the heart.

Buddhism points towards attachment as the cause of suffering.  Twelve-step programs work with our addictions, which can be understood as attachment gone amuck.  Yet the language between the two traditions can seem to be at odds with each other.  How can these traditions work together to alleviate such suffering?

We will explore how the path of meditation, the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings, and the 12 steps of Recovery can work together to spark insight in our understanding of each tradition, avoiding conceptual pitfalls that can hold us back both in our mediation practice and on our road of recovery.

All are welcome.  Whether you’re new to meditation, Buddhism, or 12-step programs, or have years of experience, we invite you to join us. We welcome Buddhist practitioners from all traditions and/or Twelve Step practitioners from all fellowships.

Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal; generosity where there was self-centeredness; community where there was isolation; joy where there was bitterness; trust where there was cynicism.

— Kevin Griffin One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps