This document was developed over a series of community-based town halls and wisdom circles. The Recovery Dharma Global Board has adopted them. Other Recovery Dharma Sangha Groups in the worldwide community are invited to also consider adopting these as guiding intentions.
Core Intentions of Recovery Dharma
Recovery Dharma offers an approach to recovery based on meditation practice and investigation of Buddhist principles. Our program is peer-led and non-theistic. We welcome all those who wish to pursue recovery as part of our community. It is our intention to:
- Create and maintain safe, supportive meetings and organizational structures.
- Respect the confidentiality of all who attend and what is shared at our meetings.
- Offer peer-to-peer support, given freely in the spirit of generosity.
- Employ the services of professionals when necessary for the functioning of our organization.
- Ensure that activities, retreats, and conferences are peer-led. We may utilize Dharma and meditation teachers and offer donations at our discretion.
- Choose meeting formats, literature, meditations, and teachings while remaining true to our program.
- Make decisions through a process in which each member’s voice is respected and considered.
- Operate independently of any other organization, agency, teacher, or group.
- Accept donations and raise funds only when consistent with our goal to be non-affiliated and self-directed.
- Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and transparency in our decision-making and financial operations.