Dear Friends, Members, and Community,

For 15 wonderful years, the Fifth Precept Sangha has served as a supportive space for individuals seeking recovery from addiction through the lens of Buddhist wisdom and practice. I am immensely grateful for the journey we have shared, the insights gained, and the community we have built together. Thank you all for your presence, practice, and contributions over the years.

Now, together with Dr Cathryn Jacob, and building upon that strong foundation while incorporating the valuable lessons learned, I’m thrilled to announce the next step in our evolution: the launch of the RAFT to Freedom programme!

What is RAFT?

RAFT stands for:

• Recognise (that life includes difficulty & understand our situation)
• Abandon (harmful cravings & compulsions)
• Freedom (to experience and personally verify the absence of craving)
• Train (our body & mind on the path to liberation)

This new framework provides a comprehensive, structured approach grounded in the Buddha’s core teachings – particularly the Four True Realities and the Noble Eightfold Path – while integrating valuable insights from modern neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy.

Why the Change? Evolution for the Better!

The RAFT to Recovery programme represents a natural evolution of the work we began with the Fifth Precept Sangha. It offers:

• A Clearer Structure: Organised around the Four Goals (R.A.F.T.), providing a progressive map for the recovery journey.
• A Richer Toolkit: Explicitly integrates key Buddhist psychological frameworks like the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Four Brahma Viharas (applied to self and others), the Four Intentions, Four Superpowers, Five Defenders, Seven Supports for Recovery, and the Eightfold Path.
• Enhanced Integration: Seamlessly weaves together ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific understanding, making the path even more accessible and relatable.
• Deepened Metaphor: Uses the powerful simile of building and navigating a raft across troubled waters to guide our practice.

Think of it like this: We built a sturdy raft together with the Fifth Precept Sangha. Now, with RAFT to Freedom, we’ve refined the design, added more effective sails, included advanced navigational tools, and created a detailed operating manual – all to make the journey to the safe shore of freedom even more skillful and sustainable.

What Remains:

The heart of our community and practice remains: the commitment to harmlessness, rooted in the Five Precepts as Gifts that we offer to others, the cultivation of mindfulness and compassion, and the supportive spirit of Sangha.

Join Us on the Next Stage of the Voyage!

We believe the RAFT to Freedom programme offers a powerful, practical, and deeply supportive path for anyone seeking freedom from addiction and compulsion. We are excited to embark on this new chapter with you.

To learn more about the RAFT programme, read the introductory chapter from the forthcoming workbook. The new RAFT2Freedom.org website will be fully operational soon.

The first online meeting of our RAFT to Freedom community will be on Tuesday, April 15th at 8 pm UK time. A second weekly meeting will be held on Sunday, April 20th at 6 pm UK time. Subsequent weekly meetings will be held on the same days and times. No registration is required. The meeting link is –

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4537777699?pwd=eFFWQ2JOSXlVNGlzTGJUYWtHR1IxZz09 (or you can connect manually with Zoom meeting ID 453 777 7699 and passcode 5ps)

Thank you again for being part of the Fifth Precept Sangha’s journey. We look forward to continuing to practice and grow together within the RAFT of Freedom!

With much Metta,

Vince Cullen and Cathryn Jacob

Link to Introduction to RAFT to Freedom

Link to The Buddha’s RAFT

#RAFT2Freedom #BuddhistRecovery #MindfulRecovery #AddictionRecovery #NewBeginnings #FifthPrecept #Sangha #Evolution #RecoveryJourney #Mindfulness #Compassion #FreedomFromAddiction

SACCA-KIRIYĀ INTENTION SETTING

“By this truth may there be happiness”

~ Buddha

Important Note: Sacca (Pali) is the same as Sajja (Thai) both meaning ‘truth‘ and both pronounced ‘sat-cha‘.

Zoom link is at bottom of this page…

9:00 am (Pacific) / 5:00 pm (Ireland/UK)
10-Minute Guided Serenity Breath Meditation

9:15 am (Pacific) / 5:15 pm (Ireland/UK)
Short Dhamma Reflection: ‘Acts of Truth’ – Vince Cullen

9.30 am (Pacific) / 5:30 pm (Ireland/UK)
Sacca-kiriyā Intention Setting in Three Parts

• Part One: Forgiveness Aspiration

Those individuals who wish to participate, unmute and repeat each line after the leader:

• Part Two: Sacca-kiriyā Intentions

Optional and voluntary, open opportunity for individuals to unmute and share their own Sacca-kiriya intentions. Each individual reads aloud:

“In this place of mindfulness, with the natural Elements and those present as my witnesses, I knowingly and openly commit to the following Sacca:”

[insert your ‘Sacca-kiriya’ here… for example, but not limited to…]

“I will not take alcohol or other drugs that lead to carelessness for…”

[ the rest of my life ] [ one year ] [ one week ] [ one day ]

“I will practice these Sacca(s) one breath at a time; one step at a time; one day at a time.”

• Part Three: Dedication of Merit for Sacca-kiriyā

Those individuals who have participated, unmute and repeat each line after the leader: 

“May the merit and benefits from the fulfilment of these Sacca(s) relieve the suffering of any beings currently experiencing Hell realm mind-states and conditions; and may the merit and benefits be shared around the whole Universe.

In the realm of the Human beings; may the merit and benefits from the fulfilment of this Sacca be shared with my family, with my benefactors and with my friends; and may it relieve the suffering of all the people that I have ever hurt or harmed.

• May I and all beings – be free from the pain and sorrow of cravings.
• May I and all beings – be filled with loving-kindness.
• May I and all beings – be safe from inner and outer dangers.
• May I and all beings – be well in body and mind.
• May I and all beings – be peaceful and live with ease in the world.
• May I and all beings – be happy and free from all distress.”

10:00 am (Pacific) / 6:00 pm (Ireland/UK) or before…
10-minute Wise Heartedness Meditation

• May I have stillness… in the midst of chaos.
• May I be at ease… in the midst of discomfort.
• May I be safe & well… in the midst of uncertainty.
• May I live with kindness… in the midst of all that is difficult.
• May I find joy… in the midst of the ordinary and the mundane.

10:15 am (Pacific) / 6:15 pm (Ireland/UK) or before…
Closing Dedication of Merit

Those individuals who wish to participate, unmute and repeat each line after the leader: 

• We dedicate the merits of this practice to all suffering beings.
• May everyone be free of suffering, and the causes of suffering.
• May everyone enjoy happiness, and the causes of happiness.
• Keep sitting, and keep smiling!

10:30 am (Pacific) / 6:30 pm (Ireland/UK) or before… Meeting closes.

Vince has given many talks on Sajja/Sacca-kiriya as an embodied practice, an example being: Sajja – A Practice for Transformation

More details about ‘Sajja’ and ‘Sacca-kiriya’ can be found in the free booklet ‘From Hungry Ghost to Being Human’ on pages 14-16, 36 & 37.

No registration is required. The meeting link is –

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4537777699?pwd=eFFWQ2JOSXlVNGlzTGJUYWtHR1IxZz09

This research study is intended to increase our knowledge of the ways attitudes, beliefs, and stigma affect the perception and experiences of substance use (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, or marijuana) or are related to substance use history. This project is being supervised by Dr. David Gilbert in the Psychology Department at Southern Illinois University. The minimum age to participate is 18 years of age (or 19 years of age or older if you are completing the study from Nebraska, United States).

Participants will explicitly be asked about illicit substance use in this survey. However, all responses are anonymous.

Further information here: https://siucpsyc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKkUa3lxcvw39r0

Investigating the Mechanism of Change of Buddhist Recovery from Addiction

Research has suggested the beneficial effects of peer-support programs regarding recovery from addiction (ie., substance use and behavioral addiction). However, current empirical research examining Buddhism and addiction peer-support programs is limited. The purpose of this study is to examine if Buddhist recovery peer-support programs would benefit addiction recovery outcomes and the ways in which Buddhist recovery may promote change.

Further information about this study can be found here: https://siucpsyc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9GHFW8bSuOHDxoG

By participating in either or both of these studies, you can help the scientific field further their knowledge of Buddhist recovery peer-support programs or help reduce some of the stigmatizing languages when discussing Substance Use Disorder. 

Your participation in these studies is entirely voluntary and there is no penalty for not participating. The Fifth Precept Sangha and Buddhist Recovery Network (BRN) has no financial involvement with Southern Illinois University, Carbondale or the researchers involved. 

If you would like to participate or learn more about either or both of the study, please follow the links above.

SACCA-KIRIYĀ INTENTION SETTING

“By this truth may there be happiness”

~ Buddha

Important Note: Sacca (Pali) is the same as Sajja (Thai) both meaning ‘truth‘ and both pronounced ‘sat-cha‘.

Zoom link is at bottom of this page…

9:00 am (Pacific) / 5:00 pm (Ireland/UK)
10-Minute Guided Serenity Breath Meditation

9:15 am (Pacific) / 5:15 pm (Ireland/UK)
Short Dhamma Reflection: ‘Acts of Truth’ – Vince Cullen

9.30 am (Pacific) / 5:30 pm (Ireland/UK)
Sacca-kiriyā Intention Setting in Three Parts

• Part One: Forgiveness Aspiration

Those individuals who wish to participate, unmute and repeat each line after the leader:

• Part Two: Sacca-kiriyā Intentions

Optional and voluntary, open opportunity for individuals to unmute and share their own Sacca-kiriya intentions. Each individual reads aloud:

“In this place of mindfulness, with the natural Elements and those present as my witnesses, I knowingly and openly commit to the following Sacca:”

[insert your ‘Sacca-kiriya’ here… for example, but not limited to…]

“I will not take alcohol or other drugs that lead to carelessness for…”

[ the rest of my life ] [ one year ] [ one week ] [ one day ]

“I will practice these Sacca(s) one breath at a time; one step at a time; one day at a time.”

• Part Three: Dedication of Merit for Sacca-kiriyā

Those individuals who have participated, unmute and repeat each line after the leader: 

“May the merit and benefits from the fulfilment of these Sacca(s) relieve the suffering of any beings currently experiencing Hell realm mind-states and conditions; and may the merit and benefits be shared around the whole Universe.

In the realm of the Human beings; may the merit and benefits from the fulfilment of this Sacca be shared with my family, with my benefactors and with my friends; and may it relieve the suffering of all the people that I have ever hurt or harmed.

• May I and all beings – be free from the pain and sorrow of cravings.
• May I and all beings – be filled with loving-kindness.
• May I and all beings – be safe from inner and outer dangers.
• May I and all beings – be well in body and mind.
• May I and all beings – be peaceful and live with ease in the world.
• May I and all beings – be happy and free from all distress.”

10:00 am (Pacific) / 6:00 pm (Ireland/UK) or before…
10-minute Wise Heartedness Meditation

• May I have stillness… in the midst of chaos.
• May I be at ease… in the midst of discomfort.
• May I be safe & well… in the midst of uncertainty.
• May I live with kindness… in the midst of all that is difficult.
• May I find joy… in the midst of the ordinary and the mundane.

10:15 am (Pacific) / 6:15 pm (Ireland/UK) or before…
Closing Dedication of Merit

Those individuals who wish to participate, unmute and repeat each line after the leader: 

• We dedicate the merits of this practice to all suffering beings.
• May everyone be free of suffering, and the causes of suffering.
• May everyone enjoy happiness, and the causes of happiness.
• Keep sitting, and keep smiling!

10:30 am (Pacific) / 6:30 pm (Ireland/UK) or before… Meeting closes.

Vince has given many talks on Sajja/Sacca-kiriya as an embodied practice, an example being: Sajja – A Practice for Transformation

More details about ‘Sajja’ and ‘Sacca-kiriya’ can be found in the free booklet ‘From Hungry Ghost to Being Human’ on pages 14-16, 36 & 37.

No registration is required. The meeting link is –

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4537777699?pwd=eFFWQ2JOSXlVNGlzTGJUYWtHR1IxZz09

Image by Vince Cullen – ‘Sajja-Kiriya Ceremony’ – Hungry Ghost Retreat at the Kunphen Center, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India – September 2019

You probably know the lovely simile that the Buddha used about someone needing to cross a large expanse of dangerous water because the current shore is dubious and risky, but the further shore is secure and free from risk. He says that you would gather together whatever was needed to make a raft that would keep you safe and direct you across the water… but once you get to the security of the far shore you can leave the raft behind and continue your journey. You don’t have to drag the raft around for the rest of your life!

In the Buddha’s first talk – after he awakened to life as it really is – he shared 4 important realisations…

He proposed that the basic-pattern-of-things (Dhamma/Dharma) means that life is inherently, unavoidably and naturally painful, difficult and disappointing and suggested that we investigate and fully understand how this pain manifests and what it actually means to each and every one of us.

This was his first realisation… this was his first teaching!

He goes on to point out that much of the pain of life comes as a result of our human inclinations, our compulsions, and our preferences and aversions, which he says, can be overcome and abandoned.

He then says that it is possible for anyone to personally experience… and to personally verify the absence of these compulsions…

I would say that anyone ‘in recovery’ has shared this experience but we forget (which is the opposite of mindfulness) to remember just how much we have achieved in recovery. We forget to acknowledge and appreciate that in a Buddhist sense we have found freedom from craving, freedom from aversion and freedom from confusion.

….and lastly, the Buddha suggests that we actively engage in a programme that supports the abandonment of harmful compulsions and minimises unnecessary and avoidable pain.

I like to describe ‘mindfulness’ as M.A.R.A.

Mindful
Awareness
Responds
Appropriately

So, the appropriate response to this basic-patterns-of-things might look like…

– Recognise (realise) what it is to be human.
– Abandon painful compulsions and addictions.
– Familiarise yourself with what it feels like to be free from compulsions [craving, aversion and confusion]
– Train (teach and transform) your body and mind to live a good life.

^{Vince Cullen – 1st January 2022}

The subject of recognising and embracing what it is to be human will be explored in the forthcoming Heart of Forgiveness interactive workshops:

For a more traditional rendering of the Buddha’s first talk see https://www.accesstoinsight.org/…/sn56/sn56.011.harv.html

For printable M.A.R.A. poster see
https://5th-precept.org/MARA-A3-Size(July2017).pdf

SACCA-KIRIYĀ INTENTION SETTING

“By this truth may there be happiness”

~ Buddha

Important Note: Sacca (Pali) is the same as Sajja (Thai) both meaning ‘truth‘ and both pronounced ‘sat-cha‘.

This event is jointly offered by the Buddhist Recovery Network and the Fifth Precept Sangha.

Zoom link is at bottom of this page…

9:00 am (Pacific) / 5:00 pm (Ireland/UK)
30-Minute Guided Serenity Breath Meditation

9:30 am (Pacific) / 5:30 pm (Ireland/UK)
Dhamma Talk: ‘Acts of Truth’ – Vince Cullen

10:00 am (Pacific) / 6:00 pm (Ireland/UK)
Sacca-kiriyā Intention Setting in Three Parts

• Part One: Forgiveness Aspiration

Those individuals who wish to participate, unmute and repeat each line after the leader:

• Part Two: Sacca-kiriyā Intentions

Optional and voluntary, open opportunity for individuals to unmute and share their own Sacca-kiriya intentions. Each individual reads aloud:

“In this place of mindfulness, with the natural Elements and those present as my witnesses, I knowingly and openly commit to the following Sacca:”

[insert your ‘Sacca-kiriya’ here… for example, but not limited to…]

“I will not take alcohol or other drugs that lead to carelessness for…”

[ the rest of my life ] [ one year ] [ one week ] [ one day ]

“I will practice these Sacca(s) one breath at a time; one step at a time; one day at a time.”

• Part Three: Dedication of Merit for Sacca-kiriyā

Those individuals who have participated, unmute and repeat each line after the leader: 

“May the merit and benefits from the fulfilment of these Sacca(s) relieve the suffering of any beings currently experiencing Hell realm mind-states and conditions; and may the merit and benefits be shared around the whole Universe.

In the realm of the Human beings; may the merit and benefits from the fulfilment of this Sacca be shared with my family, with my benefactors and with my friends; and may it relieve the suffering of all the people that I have ever hurt or harmed.

• May I and all beings – be free from the pain and sorrow of cravings.
• May I and all beings – be filled with loving-kindness.
• May I and all beings – be safe from inner and outer dangers.
• May I and all beings – be well in body and mind.
• May I and all beings – be peaceful and live with ease in the world.
• May I and all beings – be happy and free from all distress.”

10:30 am (Pacific) / 6:30 pm (Ireland/UK) or before…
20-minute Wise Heartedness Meditation

• May I have stillness… in the midst of chaos.
• May I be at ease… in the midst of discomfort.
• May I be safe & well… in the midst of uncertainty.
• May I live with kindness… in the midst of all that is difficult.
• May I find joy… in the midst of the ordinary and the mundane.

10:50 am (Pacific) / 6:50 pm (Ireland/UK) or before…
Closing Dedication of Merit

Those individuals who wish to participate, unmute and repeat each line after the leader: 

• We dedicate the merits of this practice to all suffering beings.
• May everyone be free of suffering, and the causes of suffering.
• May everyone enjoy happiness, and the causes of happiness.
• Keep sitting, and keep smiling!

11:00 am (Pacific) / 7:00 pm (Ireland/UK) or before… Meeting closes.

Vince has given many talks on Sajja/Sacca-kiriya as an embodied practice, an example being: Sajja – A Practice for Transformation

More details about ‘Sajja’ and ‘Sacca-kiriya’ can be found in the free booklet ‘From Hungry Ghost to Being Human’ on pages 14-16, 36 & 37.

No registration is required. The meeting link is –

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81623715892?pwd=U0Jwc3hFUE5FN1IrblZPSDN1RXBXZz09

Image by Vince Cullen – ‘Prayer Flags’ – Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India – June 2017

Links to further information and resources as referenced at Buddhist Recovery Summit 2021

Sit-and-Share

Sit-and-Share Meetings

Fifth Precept Sangha Downloads

Sit-and-Share Topics

Fifth Precept Sangha Helpful Links

Sit-and-Share Guidelines for Sharing

• Everyone is equally invited to contribute; but ‘sharing’ is optional and
  voluntary.
• You do not have to agree with the topic.
• There should be no interruptions during individual sharing.
• There should be no criticism, or personal comments – although a
  response is ok if its relevant
• Please pause before you share – to provide a space for ideas to become
  embodied.
• Please try to suspend assumptions and judgement; and not to to convince
  others.
• ‘Sharing’ should not driven by fear of censure or judgement, or by the
  desire for “success”.
• You are encouraged to be open to the whole experience – the whole is
  greater than the sum of the individual contributions.

Putting these guidelines into effect requires buy-in from all participants – from the whole Group. We do this using the guidelines for Bohmian Dialogue. These are based on principles laid down by David Bohm, a theoretical physicist (b. 1917), an associate of J. Krishnamurti and A. Einstein, and advisor to the Dalai Lama.

Hungry Ghost Retreats

Blogs, Podcasts and Videos

Upcoming retreats and online workshops

The Dharma of Life ~ an attempt at a full list of resources would be endless but here are some suggested reading (and viewing) to widen the perspective

How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

YouTube: How Emotions are Made (Cinematic Lecture)

Being You: A New Science of Consciousness By Professor Anil Seth

TED Talk: Being You: A New Science of Consciousness (TED Talk)

How the Mind Works By Steven Pinker

The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World By: Iain McGilchrist

Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain By Lisa Feldman Barrett

YouTube: Psycho-logical with Dean Burnett

The Brain: The Story of You By David Eagleman

Secular Buddhism – Imagining the Dharma in an Uncertain World
by Stephen Batchelor

After Buddhism – Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age by Stephen Batchelor

Review: Secular Dharma By Stephen Batchelor

YouTube: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age with Stephen Batchelor

Full details and registration links can be found here – The Forgiveness Programme

A series of talks by Vince Cullen exploring Buddhist-oriented practices and principals that are intended to lead away from avoidable-suffering and to move towards the potential end of avoidable-suffering. The source material is contained in the free ‘From Hungry Ghost To Being Human’ booklet and ‘The Forgiveness Workbook‘.

Avoidable-suffering is universal and takes many forms, however, this series of talks may be of particular interest to anyone currently struggling with the three fires of Cravings, Aversions and Confusions.

This series of online talks ran over 8-weeks and was based on the foundational principles and practices of the Fifth Precept Sangha (Community) as follows:

• Truth, Karma and Commitment to Awakening
• Generosity in Thoughts, Words and Actions
• Living in Harmony: Ethics-Harmlessness-Blamelessness
• Self-love, Self-compassion, Self-appreciation & Self-balance
• Transgression & Forgiveness
• Mindfulness & Meditation
• Admirable Friends & Fellowship
• OK, Where Do I Go Now?

“For me, these are my personal ‘foundations’ of awakening and recovery.  I say awakening and recovery but they are really the same thing. These ‘foundations’ are the principles and practices that I wish someone had told me 24-years ago when I first woke up to living life without intoxicants.”

Vince Cullen

Truth, Karma and Commitment to Awakening

Generosity in Thoughts, Words and Actions

Living in Harmony: Ethics-Harmlessness-Blamelessness

Self-love, Self-compassion, Self-appreciation & Self-balance

Transgression & Forgiveness

Mindfulness & Meditation

Admirable Friends, Fellowship, Community

SUMMARY – “OK, Where Do I Go Now?”