Detailed List of Retreats

The lessons that Zen Buddhism and Recovery teach are no different from what we have suspected all along. When we respond to the call of the Steps of Zen, we are answering our own cry for help. We don’t need to believe in the Steps, but we do need to have faith in our innate goodness and wisdom. This interpretation of The Twelve Steps conforms to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of making the rescue vehicle large enough for everyone to define their own “Higher Power”. Just like Recovery, Zen does not seek to convert anyone - only to help in alleviating suffering. People of other philosophies, or none at all, will benefit from this look at Recovery and the Steps through the eyes of Zen, presenting a fresh understanding of what it takes to be rehabilitated from addictions - using Zen as a tool. This retreat will be helpful to people in need of recovery which includes, typically, substance addictions, but also to people who are experiencing strong negative impacts that have endured long after the event. Recovery speaks to any aspect of ourselves that needs to heal. However, not everyone knows how to go about such healing in a way that will lead to a positive shift. Using the tools of the Twelve Step Programme, any injury of self can be addressed. A progression to recovery then follows spontaneously.