A Recovery Dharma meeting is a free, peer-led gathering that uses meditation and Buddhist principles to support recovery from addiction. There is no religious requirement, no cost, and no pressure to speak. A typical meeting runs about 60 to 90 minutes and follows the same gentle arc each week: welcome, readings, a guided meditation, a topic, open sharing, and informal fellowship afterward. Here is exactly what that looks like.
The Meeting, Minute by Minute
| Segment | Length | What happens | Newcomer note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome & opening | ~5 min | A facilitator welcomes everyone, especially newcomers, and reads a short opening. | You do not have to introduce yourself or say anything. |
| Readings | ~5 min | We read the Recovery Dharma principles together: the Four Noble Truths and the intention for the evening. | Reading aloud is optional; you can simply listen. |
| Guided meditation | 15–20 min | A guided meditation, usually seated. Eyes closed or softly open. | No experience needed. If sitting still is hard, that is fine. |
| Topic reading | ~5 min | A passage from the Recovery Dharma book that sets the evening’s theme. | Books are provided; you do not need your own. |
| Discussion & sharing | 25–35 min | Members share their experience on the topic, one at a time, without cross-talk. | You can always pass. Listening counts. |
| Closing | ~5 min | A short closing reading and dedication. | That’s it. No sign-ups or commitments. |
| Fellowship | informal | People hang around to talk informally after the meeting. | Optional, but it is where community happens. |
There is no pressure to share, no sign-ups, and no prerequisites. You can pass at any time, and listening counts.
The Five Things You’ll Encounter Every Time
- Meditation. Every meeting includes a guided sit. It is the heart of the practice and it is always guided, so you are never on your own.
- Community (sangha). “Sangha” simply means the community practicing together. You are not doing this alone.
- The teachings. The Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path offer a practical framework for understanding and loosening the grip of craving. No belief is required.
- Inquiry. Gentle self-examination: looking honestly at our patterns with curiosity instead of shame.
- Renunciation. The choice, one day at a time, to step back from what harms us. Framed as freedom, not punishment.
How Long Is a Recovery Dharma Meeting?
Most Recovery Dharma meetings run 60 to 90 minutes. State Line meetings run about 75 minutes, plus optional fellowship time afterward for anyone who wants to stay and connect.
Do You Have to Be Buddhist?
No. Recovery Dharma is non-theistic and open to everyone. You do not need to be Buddhist, religious, or experienced with meditation. People come from every background, including those who left other programs over religious language. The practices are offered as tools, not beliefs.
Is It Confidential?
Yes. What is shared in a Recovery Dharma meeting stays in the meeting. Confidentiality is one of our core agreements, and it is part of what makes honest sharing possible. There are no sign-in sheets and no requirement to give your name.
Wise Friends: The Mentor Relationship
Recovery Dharma does not use sponsors. Instead, members can connect with “wise friends,” more experienced peers who offer support between meetings. The relationship is mutual and informal: there is no hierarchy and no obligation. You can ask for one when you feel ready, or never. Many people deepen their practice through inquiry journaling and reading the book between meetings.
Recovery Dharma vs. 12-Step, at a Glance
| Recovery Dharma | 12-Step (AA/NA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Higher power | Not required | Central |
| Core practice | Meditation & inquiry | The Twelve Steps |
| Guidance | Wise friends / mentors | Sponsors |
| Reading | Recovery Dharma (free) | The Big Book |
| Cost | Free (dana) | Free (contributions) |
Want the full breakdown? Read Recovery Dharma vs. AA.
How to Attend a State Line Meeting
We hold free, in-person meetings in Burlington, WI and Williams Bay, WI (the Lake Geneva area), on the Wisconsin/Illinois state line. See the current schedule.
Just show up. No registration, no cost, no experience needed. Or reach out with a question first if you’d like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be Buddhist to attend Recovery Dharma?
No. Recovery Dharma is non-theistic and welcomes people of every faith or none. You do not need to be Buddhist or to have ever meditated.
How long is a Recovery Dharma meeting?
Most meetings run about 60 to 90 minutes. State Line meetings run roughly 75 minutes, followed by optional informal fellowship.
Is Recovery Dharma free?
Yes. Meetings are free and run on a dana (generosity) model. Donations are welcome but never required, and never expected from newcomers.
What do you read at a Recovery Dharma meeting?
We read from the book "Recovery Dharma," which is available free online. Each meeting includes a short passage that frames the discussion.
Do I have to share?
No. Sharing is always optional. Many people listen for weeks before they speak. You can pass at any time, and what is shared stays in the room.
Can I attend Recovery Dharma and AA at the same time?
Yes. Recovery Dharma does not ask you to leave any other program. Many people attend both. See our Recovery Dharma vs. AA comparison for the differences.