Practice Resource Guide

Wise intention

We begin to explore how different intentions show up differently in our experience - for instance a sense of contraction verses expansion.

About this Page

Introduction of the Concepts and Practices on this page and how they relate to recovery

How This Applies to Recovery

Wise Intention

Wise Intention describes the attitude or approach we take toward ourselves and the world. We can choose non-harming by avoiding actions that have harmful results, detaching from the cravings that seem overwhelming in the moment, and developing a kind and compassionate stance toward both ourselves and the world. Wise Intention leads us to stop doing things based on ill-will, hatred, violence, and selfishness. It impacts all our relationships: with ourselves, other people, our community, and the world as a whole

The Tasks of Practice

Mindfulness of Intentions

According to Buddhist teachings, the potential for any action to cause harm or bring healing is based less on the actual action and much more on the intentions behind them.

However, our patterns of acting out of harmful intentions are often not available to us. We deny them or judge them. Cultivating an intimate relationship with our intentions will allow us to heal past harms and to move in the world with more wisdom and honesty.

Refuge in the Dharma

Practices that explore and deepen understanding of the Concepts

The Path

Read the Book

Wise Intention

Read all or part of the Recovery Dharma Chapter on Wise Intention

  • Wise Intention: Page 24

The Path and Growth

Listen to Talks

Heart Practices

Here is a talk that helps expand on the Third Noble Truth.

Use the phrases listed under Concepts to search for relevant talks and meditations in Buddhist Sources.

Growth

Stay Curious

This is a list of Buddhist concepts that relate to this aspect of the Recovery Dharma path. See A Daily Practice page for more informaiton.

Lists

Refuge in the Buddha

Practices that connect us to our deepest Wisdom

Meditation

Rewire the Brain for Recovery

Concentration Mantra
Compassion
Several times a day, pause to repeat a supportive phrase for a few moments

  • May I be kind and gentle with myself

Mindfulness Practice
Sound
Pause several times a day for 30-90 seconds

  • Notice the sounds that arise around you

  • Practice just letting them be received in your ear rather than going looking for them.

Meditation Practice

Take time to sit in meditation

Inquiry and Investigation

Explore and Experience

If you need inspiration with this part of the practice, return to the Inquiry heading on the Title Page of the Practice Guide

Trust

How do I recognize the difference between

  • Wholesome desire versus craving?

  • Boundaries versus resentment?

  • Fatigue versus avoidance?

  • Concern versus worry?

  • Wise Discernment versus Doubt?

Renunciation

Practice Letting Go

Building a Support Team

  • Three people who support my change

  • Two people who have made a similar change

  • One person I can count on for immediate help

  • For each person listed, how might I use their support?

Refuge in the Sangha

Practices that cultivate connections with wise friends and mentors

Meetings

Attend and Befriend

Mindfulness

Caring for and attending to a group's finances can be intimidating. It can also serve as a central strength in recovery.

Too often, we let others care for and attend to the finances in our lives. Learning how money management work not only shows care and support for our sangha, it is a learning opportunity for us.

How aware and engaged are you with your sangha group's finances?

Do you have anyone you could ask to explain how the treasury works?

Are you able to make an educated vote about finances at Sangha Intention meetings?

Wise Friends and Mentors

Develop Deep Connection

Honesty

The next time you meet with your wise friends or mentor, pause to check in about your needs and intentions with your wise friendship.

  • What aspects of this friendship have been most valuable for your path of recovery?

  • Is there a particular practice that has been helpful that you would either like to continue or restart in your practice together?

  • Is there a particular practice that has been less than helpful? Is there a way to adjust it to meet everyone's needs, or does it need to be let go of?

  • What would be a wise and kind response to your current situation together?

Core Intentions

Support the Sangha

Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and transparency in our decision-making and financial operations.

This includes learning how to be mindful stewards of funds both in tracking and reporting.

Here are a few guides that other organizations have created for their local groups.

Playlist
 Connect with others who have traveled this path. Each of the links on this list addresses the concepts of this section. So feel free to start with any link. If none of these recordings interest you, then use the concepts listed under the Growth heading to search for talks from the Buddhist Sources page.

Insight Meditation

Wise Intention

Harmelessness, Kindness, Appreciation, Generosity

Compassion

Renunciation, Letting Go

Retreats


Thai Forrest, Theravada

Secular, Academic, Therapeutic

Secular | Academic

Buddhist Recovery


Zen

Tibetan

Amplified Voices


Workbooks


Books