• Sample Recovery Dharma Format

• Sample Online Format

The Preface
Page vii

Discussion Topics

• Is craving the desire to have something; or for something to be different?

• What behaviors cause suffering?

• Which behaviors cause healing from suffering?

What is Recovery Dharma?
Pages viii - ix

Discussion Topics

• How has taking refuge in Buddhist practices helped our recovery?

• What does it mean to engage in the practice of renunciation?

• How have compassion and patient investigation helped us practice renunciation from harmful and habitual behaviors?

What is Recovery Dharma?
Pages x - xi

Discussion Topics

• What do we look for in a supportive peer?

• What practices have we used to expand and deepen our understanding of this path?

• What are some examples of acting kindly towards self and others?

Path

• Choose just one of the readings or the whole chapter to read, underline and study.

• Think, write, or talk about the title of the reading or the discussion topics listed under the reading

Growth

If you have time or interest, listen to these recordings - either as a study session or in the background as "Darma Radio."

• Talk: Community as Refuge; Community as Practice

• Talk: Gratitude as a Doorway to Belonging

• Meditation: Metta Practice

Meditation

Pause - one to three times a day - for a minute or two - to practice any of the following meditations.

• Mindfulness of Sound: just listen to sounds around you with Kindness and Curiosity.

• Concentration on Loving Kindness: Repeat to yourself: "May I be well in body, mind, and heart."

Inquiry

• List five people who have ever served as wise friends or mentors to you - or others.

• Pause briefly to think about each one. What actions do they take, or qualities do they have, that make them good friends or mentors?

Renunciation

Pause to practice any time you notice you are experiencing a craving or have indulged in harmful and repetitive behavior.

Meetings

Notice how your insights from this practice relate to the meetings you attend this week.

Sangha, Wise Friends Mentors

We arrive early and stay after meetings for fellowship and to collect contact information

Sangha

Show up Early

Practice Loving Kindness by regularly showing up 10 minutes early.

• Check-in with old friends

• Greet new visitors

• Open the meeting space

Stay Late

Practice Compassion by regularly staying 10 minutes after a meeting.

• Trade contact information

• Close the meeting space

• Set up times for practice and connections between meetings

  • The After-meeting food location

  • Phone calls

  • Fun Activities

The Practice

The Path

• Read and study the chapter before or after the meeting.

• Listen to the recorded talks listed in the above section, or on the playlist of the corresponding Inquiry page.

• Share your experiences and insights with others in meetings or on check-in calls

Wise Friends, and Mentors

Daily Voicemail Practice

• Practice trading and confirming contact information after the meeting

• Outreach Call Practice

  • Make 1-3 daily outreach calls to new, and existing, friends.

  • Leave a message spreading joy or inviting a return call.

  • Let go of the results.

  • Notice the results after a week or a month of this practice.