The Twelve Steps
A secular Buddhist path through recovery — rooted in mindfulness, honesty, and compassionate awareness of suffering.
Recognize the Suffering
We acknowledge that our addiction causes suffering and unmanageability for ourselves and others. Craving, attachment and aversion are admitted to be the cause.
See Clearly
We came to understand, through mindful awareness, that freedom from addiction is possible by seeing reality clearly and compassionately.
Commit to the Path
We made a conscious decision to follow a path of practice — including mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living — in order to transform our relationship to craving and suffering.
Investigate Ourselves
We made a deep and honest exploration of our thoughts, resentments, patterns and their consequences through mindful introspection. Remember, be kind to yourself during this process.
Speak the Truth
We admitted to ourselves and to another person in recovery the truth of our actions and resentments, and the suffering they caused, with humility and a willingness to grow.
Cultivate Intention
We became willing to let go of harmful patterns, understanding that change arises through consistent effort, intention, and compassionate self-awareness.
Act with Integrity
We engage in wise action and view by abandoning harmful behaviors and practicing kindness, honesty, and responsibility through applying the Eightfold Path in our life.
Acknowledge Harm
We make a list of those we have harmed, directly or indirectly, and cultivate a sincere desire to make amends or express compassion where possible.
Making Amends Skillfully
We made amends mindfully and compassionately to those we have harmed, unless to do so would cause further damage.
Daily Maintenance
We continue to practice daily the Eightfold Path, leaning on mindfulness to avoid slipping back into unconscious patterns of craving, attachment and aversion.
Deepen the Practice
Practicing meditation, reflection, and ethical living, we deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world, seeking wisdom and compassion over dogma or control.
Ongoing Service
Having experienced personal transformation, we commit to helping newcomers and the group by sharing the path of awareness, compassion, and ethical living through service.
"No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."
— Gautama Buddha