This code of ethics serves as a guide for individuals attending Buddhist Recovery Meetings and retreats. It aims to foster a respectful, safe, and supportive environment for personal healing and recovery, regardless of one’s religious background or lifestyle outside the meetings. In the spirit of generosity, we commit to the following guidelines, which include all the elements of the Five Universal Precepts, which are the gifts of fearlessness that we offer to ourselves and others.

1. Non-harm and Compassion (Ahimsa)

We commit to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, free from harm or judgment. Whether through speech or action, we strive to treat all participants with kindness and compassion, recognizing that everyone’s recovery journey is unique.

  • Avoid harmful behavior, such as aggression, shaming, or causing emotional distress to others.
  • Practice active listening and compassionate understanding.

2. Respect for Diverse Backgrounds and Practices

This is an inclusive space, open to people of all backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, and recovery paths. We respect the diversity of experiences and practices of each individual, including those who do not identify as Buddhist or who do not abstain from intoxicants outside of meetings or retreats.

  • Refrain from pressuring others to follow specific beliefs or practices.
  • Honour the diversity of perspectives on recovery and spirituality, even if they differ from your own.

3. Confidentiality and Trust

What is shared in meetings and retreats remains private. Confidentiality is crucial to building trust and allowing participants to share openly about their recovery without fear of judgment or exposure.

  • Do not share others’ personal stories or experiences outside of the meeting space without explicit permission.
  • Respect the vulnerability and trust that others place in the group.

4. Mutual Support and Belonging

Meetings and retreats are spaces of mutual support where all voices matter. We are committed to creating an atmosphere in which everyone feels heard and valued, regardless of their recovery journey, level of experience, or personal beliefs.

  • Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute to discussions.
  • Be mindful of inclusivity, avoiding language or behavior that may make others feel excluded or marginalized.

5. Personal Responsibility and Boundaries

Participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their own recovery journey while respecting the boundaries of others. We recognize that everyone is on their own path, and it is important to maintain healthy boundaries in our interactions.

  • Refrain from offering unsolicited advice or attempting to “fix” others’ recovery processes.
  • Respect others’ personal space, both physically and emotionally, and avoid imposing your own expectations on them.

6. Mindful Communication

Communication in meetings and retreats should be grounded in mindfulness and care. This means being honest, kind, and nonjudgmental. We commit to using speech that supports healing, understanding, and connection.

  • Avoid harmful or divisive speech, gossip, or harsh language.
  • Speak from your own experience, using “I” statements, rather than making assumptions about others.
  • You are invited to pause before you speak to provide a space for ideas to become embodied.
  • Everyone is equally invited to contribute; but ‘sharing’ is optional and voluntary.
  • You do not have to agree with the topic being discussed.
  • Please do not interrupt during individual sharing.
  • Please refrain from criticism or personal comments.
  • Try to suspend assumptions and judgement, and try not to convince others.
  • Sharing should not be driven by fear of censure, judgement, or any desire for success.
  • Be mindful of time and keep your share to an appropriate length, considering others’ desire to share.
  • You are encouraged to be open to the whole experience – the whole is greater than the sum of the individual contributions.

7. Abstinence from “Intoxicants” During Meetings and Retreats

While attending Buddhist Recovery Meetings or retreats, we agree to refrain from using intoxicants such as alcohol and other drugs; and also to refrain from all other addictive behaviours. This may include, food addiction, sex addiction, gambling, internet scrolling and any other addictive behaviour that we may struggle with. 

  • We refrain during meetings and retreats to cultivate and maintain a clear and supportive environment for recovery for all. 
  • Recognize that participants may have different approaches to abstinence outside of these meetings and refrain from judging or shaming others’ choices.
  • Focus on creating a space where sobriety is encouraged but without pressure or expectation beyond the meeting or retreat context.

8. Accountability and Openness to Feedback

We commit to being open to feedback and taking responsibility for our actions within the group. If any behaviours are disruptive or harmful, we will address them constructively and with the intention of maintaining a healthy group dynamic.

  • Acknowledge and correct mistakes openly, without defensiveness, and be willing to learn from others.
  • If conflicts arise, address them in a respectful, non-confrontational way, seeking resolution through understanding.

9. Commitment to Personal Growth and Healing

Recovery is a personal journey, and we encourage participants to commit to their own healing and growth. This includes practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and patience with oneself and others.

  • Be patient with your own progress and that of others, recognizing that recovery takes time and effort.
  • Engage with the teachings and practices presented in the meetings or retreats in a way that aligns with your own recovery path.

10. Cultivating a Spirit of Generosity and Service

We acknowledge that our personal recovery can also benefit from supporting others. When possible, contribute to the community by offering your time, presence, or skills in a spirit of generosity and service.

  • Offer help or support to others in the group, whether through listening, volunteering, or simply showing up with a compassionate attitude.
  • Recognize that generosity can take many forms, and contribute in ways that feel authentic to your own recovery and abilities.

By adhering to these principles, participants in Buddhist Recovery Meetings and retreats help to create a supportive, compassionate environment that nurtures personal and collective healing, regardless of individual paths or beliefs.

These guidelines are, in part, derived from Bohmian Dialogue. These are based on principles laid down by David Bohm, a theoretical physicist (b. 1917), associate of J. Krishnamurti and A. Einstein, and advisor to the Dalai Lama.