Refuge Recovery Podcast

Generosity—dāna—is the ancient Buddhist practice of giving freely. In Refuge Recovery, we carry this forward by offering the teachings and our meetings without dues or fees, welcoming everyone regardless of financial circumstance. This spirit of generosity is rooted in the Buddha’s original teachings, where the Dharma was shared freely and supported by the goodwill of the community. When we practice generosity, we’re not just giving resources—we’re participating in a tradition of mutual support and compassionate service.

Service, in essence, addresses the topic of selfishness and self-centeredness—and how we might free ourselves from these patterns. From a Buddhist perspective, self-centeredness and related states like self-cherishing or self-hatred are not personal failings, but aspects of the human condition. None of us chose to have minds preoccupied with themselves; it arises from our survival instincts.

This self-focus often leads to unnecessary stress and suffering. One direct antidote is the act of helping others—being of service. In mutual help or peer-led recovery groups like Refuge Recovery, service is woven into the fabric of the organization, providing a path out of self-centeredness through helping one another.

Service, in essence, addresses the topic of selfishness and self-centeredness—and how we might free ourselves from these patterns. From a Buddhist perspective, self-centeredness and related states like self-cherishing or self-hatred are not personal failings, but aspects of the human condition. None of us chose to have minds preoccupied with themselves; it arises from our survival instincts.

This self-focus often leads to unnecessary stress and suffering. One direct antidote is the act of helping others—being of service. In mutual help or peer-led recovery groups like Refuge Recovery, service is woven into the fabric of the organization, providing a path out of self-centeredness through helping one another.

Tonight's open forum began without a predetermined topic for meditation or discussion. Before the meditation started, participants were asked if they had any requests or questions about Buddhism or meditation practices. They were encouraged to suggest topics they wanted to be addressed, and these topics were then covered briefly.

This being the first Thursday of the new year, 2025. I thought I'd reflect a little and ask you to reflect a little on your intentions, your recovery, your plans and aspirations for this year.

This being the first Thursday of the new year, 2025. I thought I'd reflect a little and ask you to reflect a little on your intentions, your recovery, your plans and aspirations for this year.