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We are ALL Addicts! What does this mean? From a Buddhist perspective we all suffer due to basic unsatisfactoriness. The First Noble Truth, known as Dukkha, often translated as “suffering” or “dissatisfaction,” provides a lens through which we can examine various facets of life. Suffering manifests in many forms—physical pain, mental distress, unfulfilled desires, and the inevitable experiences of aging, illness, and death. This does not suggest that life is solely suffering but emphasizes that dissatisfaction persists at different levels due to our addictive attachments clinging, grasping, and aversions.
This Buddhist 12 Step Recovery process acknowledges we are always compulsively and addictively holding on to "permanence" in a world of impermanence. We grasp and cling to thoughts, beliefs, opinions, other individuals (codependency) and sometimes ingestive (alcohol, drugs, food) and behavioral (the internet, workaholism, pornography, gambling, etc.) addictions in a vain attempt to "feel better" and avoid the basic realities of this life of impermanence.
So this Recovery program is for everyone because we all grasp, cling and avoid. Practicing these Buddhist 12 Steps help us to focus on basic Buddhist principles which can ease our suffering.
Like the traditional 12 Step programs, the Buddhist 12 Step meetings are free and anonymous. I am seeking individuals who would like to organize initial Recovery meetings, whether in their local area or online using Zoom or other group platforms. You do NOT have to have prior meeting experience or be an advanced Buddhist practitioner. All you need to have is an interest in the Buddhist 12 Steps and curiosity. You are welcome to use the resources below. Meetings can be open ended discussion meetings or a more focused Step meeting based on one of the specific steps outlined below.
You are welcome to start a group. Generally the group is anonymous, can be in real time or virtual, and lasts about an hour. Groups usually begin and end with a few moments of silent meditation. If you do decide to start a group please email me the day, time , and location, and I will post it here on the website so others can find it. Email EdGeratyLCSW-C@proton.me
A Path of Liberation, Mindfulness, and Compassionate Recovery
Each step includes:
1. A Buddhist-informed restatement of the steps
2. An explanation of the Buddhist concept(s) involved
3. How the concept supports healing and recovery
STEP 1 — Recognize Suffering (Dukkha) and the Nature of Craving (Tanha)
Buddhist Step:
We acknowledge the suffering caused by craving, clinging, and avoidance. We stop denying the pain of addiction and turn toward it with honesty.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 1
Dukkha — Suffering / Unsatisfactoriness
Dukkha refers to the fundamental stress, dissatisfaction, and instability inherent in life. It doesn’t mean “everything is suffering”—only that nothing external can offer lasting security.
In addiction, dukkha appears as:
emotional pain
restlessness
emptiness
fear
craving relief
Tanha — Craving
Tanha means “thirst”—an internal force that seeks escape, comfort, or intensity.
In addiction, craving becomes a compulsive survival mechanism.
Why These Concepts Matter
A person cannot heal what they refuse to acknowledge.
Recognizing suffering and craving is the beginning of liberation.
STEP 2 — Trust the Possibility of Awakening (Buddha-Nature)
Buddhist Step:
We cultivate confidence that freedom from suffering is possible. We trust in our inherent capacity for clarity, wisdom, and compassion.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 2
Buddha-Nature
The teaching that every being possesses an innate capacity for awakening, transformation, and healing.
This aligns with modern psychology’s belief in neuroplasticity and the human ability to grow.
The Possibility of Liberation
Buddhism teaches that suffering is not permanent and patterns can change.
Why This Matters
Believing change is possible is essential for recovery.
Hope becomes a spiritual practice.
STEP 3 — Commit to the Path (The Three Jewels & Eightfold Path)
Buddhist Step:
We commit ourselves to a path of ethical living, mindfulness, and compassionate action. We choose a life rooted in clarity rather than craving.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 3
The Three Jewels
Buddha: The example of awakening
Dharma: Teachings and practices
Sangha: Supportive community
The Noble Eightfold Path
Eight practical guidelines:
1. Right Understanding
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
Why This Matters
Recovery requires stable structure, community, and guidance—exactly what the Three Jewels and the Eightfold Path provide.
STEP 4 — Engage in Deep Mindful Inquiry (Vipassana & Karma)
Buddhist Step:
We examine our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and history with mindful awareness—not judgment. We investigate the causes and conditions of our suffering.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 4
Mindfulness (Sati)
The capacity to observe internal experience clearly and without reactivity.
Vipassana — Insight Meditation
Seeing patterns as they truly are—not through denial, avoidance, or shame.
Karma — Cause and Effect
Actions have consequences; habits shape future behavior.
Not punishment—just understanding how patterns form.
Why This Matters
Insight into one’s patterns allows liberation from them.
Awareness is the beginning of transformation.
STEP 5 — Speak the Truth (Right Speech & Emotional Honesty)
Buddhist Step:
We share our truth with humility and compassion, acknowledging the ways our actions have caused harm.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 5
Right Speech
Communicating with honesty, kindness, and integrity.
In this context:
admitting harm
releasing secrets
speaking openly
minimizing self-deception
Sangha Support
Healing happens in connection.
Why This Matters
Shame dissolves when spoken in truth and compassion.
STEP 6 — Become Willing to Let Go (Nekkhamma & Impermanence)
Buddhist Step:
We become willing to release unwholesome patterns and the illusions that keep us trapped.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 6
Nekkhamma — Letting Go / Renunciation
Letting go is not deprivation—it’s freedom from what harms us.
Impermanence (Anicca)
All emotions, cravings, and states of mind are temporary.
Urges arise and pass like waves.
Why This Matters
When we see that patterns are impermanent, we stop clinging to them.
STEP 7 — Practice Humility and Compassionate Surrender (Karuna & Wise Effort)
Buddhist Step:
We humbly open ourselves to transformation. We cultivate compassion and steady effort in changing harmful behaviors.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 7
Karuna — Compassion
The desire to alleviate suffering in ourselves and others.
Wise Effort (Right Effort)
The balanced, nonviolent effort that avoids extremes of apathy and perfectionism.
Why This Matters
Recovery is not about force—it is about compassionate discipline.
STEP 8 — Make a Compassionate List of Those Harmed (Metta & Interdependence)
Buddhist Step:
We acknowledge everyone impacted by our actions, including ourselves. We prepare our hearts for reconciliation.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 8
Metta — Loving-Kindness
Goodwill toward oneself and others.
Interdependence (Dependent Origination)
Everything affects everything.
Our actions ripple outward.
Why This Matters
Understanding interdependence reveals how our behavior impacted others—without shame, but with responsibility.
STEP 9 — Make Skillful Amends (Right Action & Compassion)
Buddhist Step:
We repair harm wherever possible, guided by mindfulness, honesty, and compassion.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 9
Right Action
Acting ethically and benefitting others.
In recovery, this includes:
apologizing when appropriate
restoring trust
behaving differently going forward
Compassion (Karuna)
Softens shame while motivating accountability.
Why This Matters
Amends are not offered to change the past but to build a wiser future.
STEP 10 — Continue Mindful Self-Reflection (Mindfulness & Equanimity)
Buddhist Step:
We maintain awareness of our thoughts and actions. When we cause harm, we repair it quickly.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 10
Mindfulness (Sati)
Keeping close awareness of daily behavior.
Equanimity (Upekkha)
Emotional balance that allows us to respond rather than react.
Why This Matters
Daily mindfulness prevents small issues from becoming relapses or crises.
STEP 11 — Deepen Meditation and Inner Stillness (Right Concentration & Insight)
Buddhist Step:
We cultivate stillness through meditation, strengthening clarity, compassion, and emotional balance.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 11
Right Concentration
Focused awareness that steadies the mind.
Insight (Vipassana)
Understanding the causes of suffering, craving, and emotional patterns.
Why This Matters
Meditation rewires the brain and stabilizes recovery from the inside out.
STEP 12 — Live the Path and Serve All Beings (Dana, Sangha, and Compassionate Action)
Buddhist Step:
Awakening grows when shared. We bring mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion into all areas of life.
Buddhist Concepts in Step 12
Dana — Generosity
Freely offering help, support, time, and kindness.
Sangha — Community
Supporting others on the path and receiving support in return.
Compassionate Action
Acting from wisdom and love rather than craving or fear.
Why This Matters
Service strengthens recovery, reduces self-centeredness, and turns personal healing into collective benefit.
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