The Heart of Recovery Buddhism and The 12 Steps

The Heart of Recovery is a meditation and sharing support group that combines mindfulness meditation, the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings, and the Twelve Steps of Recovery to integrate the basic sanity of the Dharma and the basic goodness of meditation with our commitment to abstinence. We warmly welcome all who wish to share in these common interests.

Gathering Format:
– Welcome each other
– Guided mindfulness meditation
– Dharma reading/teachings
– Group sharing & discussion
– Close with a Loving-Kindness meditation practice.

You do not need to have experience with meditation, Buddhism, or be affiliated with a 12-step program. We welcome Buddhist practitioners from all traditions and/or Twelve Step practitioners from all programs.

The group meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month in person at the Shambhala Center in Burbank. All are welcome.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GROUP HERE

"Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal; generosity where there was self-centeredness; community where there was isolation; joy where there was bitterness; trust where there was cynicism."
— Kevin Griffin, One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps

Recommended Readings

One Breath At A Time: Buddhism and the 12 Steps
by Kevin Griffin

Taking The Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears
by Pema Chodron

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
by Pema Chodron

Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior
by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Basic Sobriety: Shambhala Buddhism and the Twelve Steps
by Eric Rainbeau

As the year comes to a close, take time to rest your mind and open your heart in a supportive community of practice.

This retreat is based on the traditional Tibetan Lojong teachings—timeless instructions for awakening our hearts and meeting life with compassion. These simple yet profound practices can help us work skillfully with difficult moments and transform how we relate to ourselves and others. They gently shift our perspective, showing us how to engage with the world's challenges and suffering with openness, clarity, and care—right on the spot.

Join for a single day or for the entire 4-day retreat. Plan to attend the whole day(s) for which you register.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR RETREAT

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EACH DAY WILL INCLUDE:

• Meditation Instruction
• Mindfulness/Awareness Sitting Practice
• Walking Meditation
• Guided Contemplations
• Tonglen (Sending and Taking) Practice
• Dharma Talks
• Group Discussions
• Gentle Movement Exercises

The final day will conclude with a joyful celebration as we dedicate our practice and welcome the new year.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS RETREAT:

Everyone is welcome! There are no prerequisites to attend. No prior experience with meditation required.

Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers a welcoming space to deepen your practice and connect with others on the path.

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Cost of Retreat

Cost: $45 per day | $150 for all 4 days
No one turned away due to lack of funds.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR RETREAT

This New Year's Eve, let us step into 2026 with intention!

Take a breath, make a cup of tea - or glass of eggnog - and join Shambhala Los Angeles for a unique New Year's Eve community event celebrating the poignant joy of our beautiful world and our precious life through the practice of meditation.

Attend in-person or online via Zoom (hybrid).

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just curious, this event offers a refreshing alternative to the usual revelry. Experience the power of group meditation, connect with a welcoming community of like-minded individuals, and cultivate a sense of well-being and friendliness to carry into the new year.

OPEN TO ALL

This mini-retreat is open to the public! You don't need to pre-register to attend in person. Drop in at any point throughout the evening.

COME AND GO ON YOUR SCHEDULE

Come for the entire evening or for any part of it, to meditate and celebrate with old friends and make new ones. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments in person at our center or online from the comfort of your home as we transition from the old to the new, cultivating wakefulness and societal well-being.

JOIN US IN PERSON OR ONLINE

This event will be both in person and online (hybrid). Register today and step into the new year with clarity and connection! Walk-ins welcome. You must register below to receive the Zoom link for virtual attendance.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER

The Heart of Recovery is a meditation and sharing support group that combines mindfulness meditation, the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings, and the Twelve Steps of Recovery to integrate the basic sanity of the Dharma and the basic goodness of meditation with our commitment to abstinence. We warmly welcome all who wish to share in these common interests.

Gathering Format:
– Welcome each other
– Guided mindfulness meditation
– Dharma reading/teachings
– Group sharing & discussion
– Close with a Loving-Kindness meditation practice.

You do not need to have experience with meditation, Buddhism, or be affiliated with a 12-step program. We welcome Buddhist practitioners from all traditions and/or Twelve Step practitioners from all programs.

The group meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month in person at the Shambhala Center in Burbank. All are welcome.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GROUP HERE

"Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal; generosity where there was self-centeredness; community where there was isolation; joy where there was bitterness; trust where there was cynicism."
— Kevin Griffin, One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps

Recommended Readings

One Breath At A Time: Buddhism and the 12 Steps
by Kevin Griffin

Taking The Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears
by Pema Chodron

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
by Pema Chodron

Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior
by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Basic Sobriety: Shambhala Buddhism and the Twelve Steps
by Eric Rainbeau