Buddhist Recovery Network (BRN) is committed to fostering safer meetings for all of our members. Over the years, as we have been deeply engaged in the Buddhist recovery world and listen to the needs of recovery meeting attendees, it became apparent that a crucial growth area for BRN is to actively promote resources for Buddhist recovery meetings to cultivate a sense of safety with members. On this page, you can read our BRN diversity statement, and resources for communities, members, and facilitators. 

As we know, many people who struggle with addiction have endured traumatic experiences. These experiences of trauma may significantly shape how a person functions and how they experience or interpret the world. It is important to understand that trauma comes in many shapes and forms and what is considered traumatic is often defined by the individual. These traumas may include abuse, neglect, violence, various forms of discrimination, traumatic grief, intergenerational trauma, being a victim of crime, natural or manmade disasters, and so on. Besides trauma, on a larger level, we also live in a modern world with so many uncertainties and chaos, such as problematic social media trends, climate change, a culture of isolation, rights being threatened, inadequate social welfare, power dynamics in social structures, political and social division, and wars and violence. For the individual level, each of us also have our own unique personality, life and social experiences, vulnerabilities, and triggers. 

The Four Noble Truths denote that there is suffering in life, and right now we live in a world filled with uncertainties and division, where the presence of trauma feels more prevalent than ever. We are also in a multicultural society where individuals of different cultures, beliefs, and traditions interact and coexist, which means we must apply wisdom, awareness, and compassion to make ourselves and others feel seen, safe, and included in meetings. All of these together make it important for our meetings to have a focus of promoting a sense of psychological safety in meetings. When psychological safety is felt, people can feel belonging and acceptance, and can freely express their journey of recovery without the fear of judgment, rejection, or negative consequences. A safer sangha is empowering, strength-based, avoids shaming or blaming, and is person-centered. A safer sangha means members can find a community that prevents traumatization or re-traumatization and builds relationships that help individuals recover and develop a meaningful, fulfilling life. 

Resources

Community Agreements
In this article, we introduce what community agreements are and how to develop the agreements. We further provide examples of established community agreements in Buddhist communities, Buddhist recovery communities, and other organizations or centers. Please see the article here.

For Communities and Members
In this article, we discuss feeling psychologically safe in meetings, connecting with our body, inquiries, meditations, and expanding the sense of safety to the community. Please see the article here.

• Please also see Buddhist Recovery Network’s Code of Ethics for Participants in Buddhist Recovery Meetings and Retreats.

For Facilitators 
In this article, we discuss ways to implement, evaluate, and maintain community agreements. We also discuss post-rupture growth and healing and conflict transformation. Please see the article here.

• Please also see Buddhist Recovery Network’s Code of Conduct for Buddhist Meeting Facilitators.

Training and Resources
We compiled a list of training and resources regarding race, diversity, inclusivity, equity, intersectionality, and safer space. Read more here.

Please also see Buddhist Recovery Network’s codes of conduct for teachers and students:

• Code of Conduct for Teachers
• Suggested Code of Conduct for Students