Buddhist Recovery Meetings - USA

Venue:   Shambhala Meditation Center of Atlanta

Suburb/District: Decatur
Day: Thursday
Time: 7:30pm
Type: "One Breath at a Time".
Address: 1447 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Other info: We usually meet in the main shrine room, but sometimes there will be a sign telling you to go to some other location in the center. We start off with 10 minutes of sitting meditation, then read from the book "One Breath at a Time" written by a Buddhist meditation instructor who is in recovery. After that it's just like a regular open discussion meeting.
Contact: For more information call Tom at (404) 237-6968

Venue:   Atlanta Soto Zen Center

Suburb/District: Atlanta
Day: Sundays
Time: 1:30pm
Type: Buddhist Recovery Group
Address: 1167 C/D Zonolite Place, Atlanta Ga. 30306
Other info: 20 minutes of meditation followed by open discussion meeting followed by 10 minutes of meditation.
Contact: For more information call Jon S at (404) 788-5733

Venue:   Casa de Luz

Day: Saturdays
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Type: Dharma 12 Step Recovery Program
Address: 1701 Toomey Road Austin, TX 78704 (Serena Room)
Contact: Phone (512) 476-2535    Email natalia at casadeluz dot org and wayo at EduardoLongoria dot com
Web site www.casadeluz.org/calendar/week.php

Venue:   Bellingham Shambhala Center

Day: Wednesdays
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Type: '5th Precept Encounter'
Address: 1101 N. State St., Bellingham, WA, 98225 (3rd floor)
Other info: Our format is 10 minutes of sitting meditation at the beginning and end of each meeting. We utilize the traditional 12 step meeting format (confidentiality, anonymity, no cross talk, advice giving, etc.) Topics are typically centered around a particular step with a dharma perspective. We use Kevin Griffin's book and a set of essays from the San Francisco Zen Center. It is our aspiration to offer 12 step folks exposure to genuine meditation opportunities and a non-theistic spirituality that many in the recovery community hunger for. In addition, we want to offer members of the Buddhist community addiction recovery support.
Contact: Joe  jmackie at fidalgo dot net

Venue:   Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston

Day: Mondays
Time: 7:30pm
Type: The Heart of Recovery: A weekly meditation and sharing support group bringing together Buddhist meditation practice and the Twelve Steps.
Address: 646 Brookline Avenue, Boston, (one block off Route 9 and the Riverway)
Other info: The group will meet weekly in the main shrine room to: welcome each other; practice Shamatha Viphasyana (peace of mind, awareness of mind) meditation; share our personal experience, strength and hope. We will use the principles of Council (a talking stick) practice and The Twelve Step traditions (no cross talk & anonymity) to: integrate the basic goodness of meditation with our commitment to abstinence. Open to all Buddhist practitioners from all traditions and Twelve Step practitioners from all programs.
Contact: Leader: Jeffrey M. (617) 359-0056 (M)    Web site www.shambhalaboston.org/schedule.php

Venue:   Davis Shambhala Center

Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Type: Explores the connection between Buddhist practice and teachings, and recovery work.
Address: Davis Shambhala Center, 133 D Street, Suite H (upstairs), Davis, California, 95616
Other info: The evening includes a 20-minute period of meditation, a short talk, and a group discussion in 12-step format. Beginners to Buddhist practice and/or all types of recovery are welcome.
Contact: Jack (530) 908-8232

Venue:   Shambhala Meditation Center of Denver

Day: Wednesdays (first and third Wednesday of the month)
Time: 6:30pm
Type: 12 Fold Path Recovery Meeting
Address: 2305 S. Syracuse Way, Suite 214, Denver, CO 80231-3700
Other info: This welcoming meeting is open to anyone who is interested in relating 12-step work to the Buddhist path. We begin at 6:30 with 30 minutes of meditation followed by a meeting lasting approximately one hour. This group is not intended to replace a 12-step program and attendees are requested to work such a program as well as have 6 months of abstinence. The first meeting of the month is a discussion of one of the Lojong Slogans that is selected randomly by one of the members. The slogan is contemplated between meetings and is posted on the 12 Fold Path Yahoo Group for discussion. At the second meeting of the month a volunteer shares a relevant reading of their choice. After all present have had an opportunity to share without cross-talk there is open discussion. Meetings are closed with the Dedication of Merit. Voluntary donations are welcome and appreciated but not required. Study and discussion focus may change from time to time.
Contact: Feel free to call Martha at (303) 671-0611 for information.
To receive all announcements, sign up for our Yahoo group
Web site www.shambhaladenver.org/sharpashana.html

Venue:   Common Ground Meditation Center

Suburb/District: Minneapolis
Day: Fridays (except the first Friday of each month)
Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Type: Mindfulness in the Twelve Steps
Address: 3400 East 26th Street, Minneapolis
Other info: This ongoing program is for those seeking spiritual development by practicing the principles of the Twelve Steps and the Buddha's teachings in everyday life. This program supplements recovery and is designed to reveal to us that consistent mindfulness practice is vital to spiritual progress. This ongoing practice group meets the second, third and fourth Friday of each month and is open to all who have an interest in mindfulness and the Twelve Steps. Led by Craig V.
Contact: Phone (612) 722-8260    Email info at commongroundmeditation dot org

Venue:   Minnesota Zen Meditation Center

Suburb/District: Minneapolis
Day: Thursdays
Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Type: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps of Recovery
Address: 3343 East Calhoun Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Other info: The group explores some of the basic teachings of Buddhism and their reflection in the twelve steps. Each session begins with a period of meditation followed by a brief presentation and discussion. Anyone who wants to support a 12-step program with a deepened understanding of meditation and Buddhism is welcome. Donations welcome. No pre-registration required.
Contact: Phone (612) 822-5313    Email info at mnzencenter dot org

Venue:   Mind Roads Meditation Center

Suburb/District: St Paul
Day: Mondays
Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Type: Twelve Steps and Buddhism
Address: 2046 St. Clair Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Other info: Open to all 12-step program participants. This open meeting explores some of the basic teachings of Buddhism and their reflection in the twelve steps. It is for those seeking spiritual development by practicing the principles of the Twelve Steps and the Buddha's teachings in everyday life. This program supplements recovery and is designed to reveal to us that consistent mindfulness and meditation practice is vital to spiritual progress. We begin each meeting with a period of meditation and follow with a brief presentation and/or discussion. This ongoing practice group is open to all who have an interest in mindfulness meditation and the Twelve Steps. Led by members of the group. Donations welcome.
Contact: Phone (651) 225-1443    Email mindroadscenter at aol dot com
Web site www.mindroads.com/practice.php

Day: Sundays
Time: 8:00am
Type: “The 11th Step Sangha”
Address: For Location please call: (209) 202-0612
Other info: The group has been running since April 2008. We meditate, study literature, and listen to tapes.
Contact: Phone (209) 202-0612

Venue:   New York Insight Meditation Center

Day: Monday (first Monday of each month)
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Type: Addiction and Recovery. The Buddha and Bill W. The meetings will include Buddhist meditation practices, interactive exercises, dharma talks and discussion. Meeting facilitated by Sandra Weinberg.
Address: 28 West 27th Street, 10th floor
Other info: 2500 years ago the Buddha said craving and attachment is the cause of suffering. In the 1930's Bill Wilson started the first Twelve Step program that worked with a deep form of craving and suffering: addictions. In these monthly meetings, we will explore the ways that Buddhism and the Steps support and complement each other and can deepen our spiritual lives. The meetings will include Buddhist meditation practices, interactive exercises, dharma talks and discussion. The evenings are open to all who are interested. You need not be in a Twelve Step program nor have a background in Buddhism. The fee is by donation.
Contact: Phone (212) 213-4802    Email nyinsight at earthlink dot net    Web site www.nyimc.org

Venue:   Channing Unitarian Universalist Church

Suburb/District: Edmond
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Type: Meditation in Recovery Group.
Address: 2800 W. 15th St., Edmond, OK.
Directions: From I-235 (Broadway Extension) turn West on 15th Street in Edmond (approximately 2.25 miles) past Santa Fe. We are on the left, just past the Lutheran Church.
Other info: Meditation in Recovery is a group of people who are in recovery from addiction of all kinds, who engage in meditation as part of their recovery, and explore a path of healing based on Buddhist teaching and practice. By joining together in community, meditating, sharing experience and practices we wish to help each other recover from the suffering caused by addiction and support each other's happiness. We offer a place to practice meditation and recovery founded on respect, non-harming, and anonymity. Meditation in Recovery is open to people of all backgrounds, and respectful of all recovery paths. Practitioners in recovery facilitate the group. No prior experience in meditation or Buddhist practice is required. Meeting format: welcome and opening reading; guided meditation; silent meditation; topic presentation and study; open sharing; 5-minute closing silent meditation; dedication of merit.
Contact: Jeff at (405) 473-4701    Email jwgreen at owrb dot ok dot gov

Venue:   Portland Shambhala Center

Day: Every Tuesday
Time: 6:15pm - 7:30pm
Type: “One Breath at a Time Recovery Group”
Address: 97 Newbury Street, Portland, Maine
Other info: The weekly meetings alternate between The Twelve Steps and The Twelve Traditions, and Kevin Griffin's One Breath at a Time. This is an open meeting for anyone interested in recovery and Buddhism. The meeting has been running since February 2008.
Contact: Email daveys at gwi dot net    Blog onebreathportland.blogspot.com

Venue:   The Alano Club of Portland

Day: Thursdays
Time: 7:00pm
Type: 12-Step Sangha - Meditation for Recovering People
Address: The Loft Room, The Alano Club of Portland, 909 NW 24th Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
Other info: The meeting is open to anyone, with any addiction, from any 12-Step program.
Contact: Web sites www.portlandalano.org    www.12stepsangha.com

Venue:   The Alano Club of Portland

Day: Saturdays
Time: 8:00am - 9:00am
Type: AA 11th Step Group
Address: The Loft Room, The Alano Club of Portland, 909 NW 24th Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
Other info: Format: introductions; topic; meditation instructions from the ‘12 by 12’; 20 minutes of meditation; then sharing from the Chair followed by participants sharing.
Contact: Phone (503) 222-5756    Email info at portlandalano dot org    Web site www.portlandalano.org

Awakening to Mindfulness Conference & Retreat

Day: April 2 to 4, 2009
Type: Conference
Address: The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, San Diego, California
Other info: Presented by Faces Conferences and MySoberLife.com. Speakers include Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Marsha Linehan, Alan Marlatt, Steven Hayes and Rick Hanson.
Further information: facesconferences.com

Venue:   San Francisco Zen Center

Suburb/District: San Francisco
Day: Mondays
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Type: Sitting & Discussion Group for People in Recovery
Address: 300 Page Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Other info: This is a drop-in group for those interested in exploring the connection between Buddhist teaching and practice and recovery work. We will meet in the Buddha Hall, begin with a period of meditation, and follow with a discussion. The group will be led by practitioners in recovery. Donation requested.
Contact: Phone (415) 863-3136    Email ccoffice at sfzc dot org    Web site www.sfzc.org

Venue:   San Francisco Zen Center

Sangha in Recovery 2nd Trimester
“After the success of its first trimester, the year-long Sangha in Recovery Program is opening its enrollment for the second trimester beginning in January 2009.” (more in this downloadable PDF document.)

Suburb/District: San Francisco
Day: Sunday, November 23, 2008
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Type: Meditation in Recovery Retreat
Address: 300 Page Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Other info: This day-long retreat is for the newcomer and the old timer, both to meditation and to recovery.
We will offer instruction in both sitting and walking meditation. There will be periods of meditation, a talk and discussion, informal tea and a Twelve Step meeting.
Please bring a bag lunch and wear loose comfortable clothing.
Contact: Please call the City Center front office at (415) 863-3136 to register.    Cost $35; $30 for members; $25 limited income.

Venue:   Land of Medicine Buddha

Suburb/District: Soquel
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Type: 12 Steps Buddhist Discussion Group
Address: (Memorial Shrine Temple) 5800 Prescott Road, Soquel, CA 95073
Other info: The 12 steps Buddhist Discussion group is a non-profit fellowship of men and women for whom addiction has become a problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Our primary purpose is to provide a forum and fellowship to help us integrate Buddhist practices with 12 step recovery programs. This is a closed meeting for addicts in recovery.
Contact: Email office at medicinebuddha dot org    Web site www.medicinebuddha.org/healing.htm

Venue:   Land of Medicine Buddha Retreat Center

Suburb/District: Soquel
Day: Sundays
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Type: Open AA Meeting
Name: Conscious Contact Meditation Meeting
Address: 5800 Prescott Road, Soquel, CA 95073
Other info: Meeting is divided into three segments: reading (from either Big Book, 12 x 12, or Spiritual Awakenings [Grapevine excerpts]); discussion; 20-minute meditation. Meeting has been held since 2006, regular attendance approx. 20-25 persons.
Contact: Tom W.    Email watkriege at cruzio dot com

Venue:   Satellite Beach Library

Day: Fourth Wednesday of the Month
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Type: “Twelve Step Buddhist Gathering”
Address: Satellite Beach Library, 751 Jamaica Blvd., Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Other info: “Join us if you are part of any Twelve Step Group. We will be gathering in the Buddhist Tradition and doing this from the book One Breath at a Time, based on the Twelve Steps through the Buddhist tradition. Great for anyone looking outside the traditional Twelve Step groups. We will give support, structure and our experience, strength and hope with the focus on Buddhism.” Facilitated by the Brevard County Buddhist Fellowship.
Contact: Namu Amida Butsu and Shanti Johnson - Coordinator and Practice Leader - (321) 961-3223
Email shantifla at yahoo dot com    Web site www.brevardcountybuddhistfellowship.com

Venue:   Zen Center of Syracuse

Day: Tuesdays
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Type: Buddhist Recovery Group
Address: 266 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13207-2639 (Forman House Dharma Hall at the Zen Center)
Other info: From 6:00 to 6:20 p.m. meditation in the Dharma Hall of the Forman House. From 6:20 on, from within the silence, individuals may speak about their difficulties, and may elicit responses from others in the group. At around 7:00pm there will be closing meditation. Please enter and leave through the front door of the Forman House.
Contact: Phone (315) 492-9773    Email info at zencenterofsyracuse dot org
Web site www.zencenterofsyracuse.org/recovery_group.html

Venue:   The Tucson Shambhala Meditation Group

Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Type: Buddhist Alcohol Study Group
Address: 3250 North Tucson Boulevard (just north of Fort Lowell Road on the east side of Tucson Boulevard)
Other info: Sarpashana (pronounced Sar-pa-sha-na) is the Buddhist Alcohol Study Group and is a Sanskrit word meaning 'poison eater.' The symbol for the group is the peacock, which, according to an ancient Hindu story, can eat poison and transform it into nourishment, resulting in the bird's dazzling plumage. Our Sarpashana group serves all people who are interested in relating their path of meditation and dharma studies to their alcohol or other addictions and recovery. The group explores the challenges and opportunities that addictions and attachments provide us in this context. The group meets for meditation, study and discussion. Sarpashana is not viewed as a substitute for other recovery systems, but as an additional support for other means of recovery. Donations welcome.
Contact: For more information, please call (520) 722-1286    Web site www.tucson.shambhala.org/index.php

Venue:   Shambhala Meditation Center of Washington, D.C.

Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Type: “Heart of Recovery” Group: This meditation and discussion group brings together Shambhala Buddhist meditation practice with the Twelve Steps recovery programs.
Address: 3520 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Other info: Meetings are anonymous and confidential and explore the relationship of addictions and recovery to our personal paths as warriors, bodhisattvas, and meditation practitioners. Meeting format includes: sitting practice; a topic offering in the form of brief comments or a reading by the night’s facilitator; discussion and exploration by group members; sharing our personal experience, strength and hope; dedication of merit. Open to all who are: Buddhist practitioners (from any tradition), or 12 Step practitioners (from any program), or individuals interested in exploring the relationship of meditation to recovery from addiction and addictive behaviors.
Contact: Scott. Phone (240) 478-1513    Email sperkins67 at mac dot com
Web site www.shambhala.org/centers/washingtondc/community/socialgroups.html

Venue:   Unitarian Universalist Church of Yakima

Day: Thursdays twice monthly (first and third Thursdays)
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Type: Buddhist 12 Step Study Group
Address: 225 North 2nd Street, Yakima
Other info: The format of the meeting is to start with 5 minutes meditation time, followed by a Buddhist version of “How It Works” and then reading Kevin’s book (One Breath at a Time) and Noah Levine’s second book (Against the Stream) as backup. We read Kevin’s book in 12-step sequence and invite commentary after each section. We meet for about 90 minutes with a reminder of absolute confidentiality for all. This meeting is open to addicted people and those affected by addiction as well. We close the meeting with a version of the Serenity Prayer.
Contact: Rev. Alex Holt. Phone (206) 714-2771    Email revalexholt at earthlink dot net