Buddhist Based Practices for Abstinence & Recovery from Alcohol, Drug Addictions and other Compulsions…

…A wholehearted commitment to truth, honesty and a new life.

…A wholehearted commitment to abstinence.

…A wholehearted commitment to recovery.

Everyone on the Buddhist path is in recovery from greed, hatred and delusion; for some of us that manifests as particular cravings and aversions accompanied by an awful lot of confusion!

The 5th Precept Sangha (Fellowship) is a Peer Led, mutual-help organisation that uses Buddhist teachings, traditions and practices to help people make a wholehearted new life after the suffering caused by addictive behaviours.

The group is founded on the principles and practices of Truth and Truthfulness (Sajja), Generosity (Dana), Harmlessness (Sila), Loving-kindness (Metta), Forgiveness (Khama), Mindfulness (Sati) and Fellowship (Kalyāna-mittatā); and is grounded in the Buddhist principles of non-harming, compassion and interdependence.

Open to people of all backgrounds, and respectful of all recovery paths, the group promotes abstinence, mindfulness and meditation. In particular, the group is open to any individuals aspiring to live their lives in harmony with the Five Precepts; that is –

To refrain from harming ourselves or others by our thoughts, our words or our actions.

To refrain from taking anything that has not been freely given;

To refrain from sexual and sensual misconduct;

To refrain from false speech, harsh speech, gossip and slander.

To refrain from taking alcohol and other drugs that lead to suffering.

Sit and Share meetings are open to people with any addiction and to any individuals choosing to live life in harmony – as best we can – with the Five Precepts. Importantly, we abandon attachment to negative self-views by announcing ourselves by our first name only, without identifying with any addiction.

The 5th Precept group promotes a multilayered, multidirectional Buddhist-oriented approach to recovery and abstinence : Foundations of Recovery.

It is important to note that you do not have to be a “Buddhist” to practice Sajja, Sila or any of the suggested meditation practices. Group membership does not require any meditation experience.

As water falls from a lotus leaf so sorrow drops from those who are free of toxic craving. (336 Dhammapada)

For clarity and in summary:

Fifth Precept Organisation (Sangha) : is a Buddhist oriented approach to total-abstinence including peer led ‘Sit-and-Share’ meditation meetings.

Hungry Ghost Retreats : are an opportunity to explore some of the principles and practices of the Fifth Precept Organisation (Sangha) approach to recovery, harm reduction and relapse prevention within a retreat setting.