Everyone who is interested in learning about the Shambhala Buddhist path of meditation practice is welcome. You can receive first time meditation instruction, or just enjoy tea, cookies, and conversation.

This welcoming meeting is open to anyone who is interested in relating 12-step work to the Buddhist path. Feel free to call Martha Hildreth at 303-671-0611 for information.

To receive all announcements, sign up for our Yahoo group, called 12foldpath.

Sarpashana was known as the Buddhist Alcohol Study Group when it began in the mid 1980s in Boulder for members dealing with alcoholism or alcohol-related problems. This is a study group for sangha members and all those interested in relating their path of meditation and dharma studies to their alcohol or other addictions and recovery. We explore the challenges, as well as the opportunities, that our addictions and attachments provide us in this context. The meetings combine meditation, study, and discussion. We meet the first and third Wednesday of the month.

We begin at 6:30 with 30 minutes of meditation followed by a meeting lasting approximately one hour. This statement is read at the beginning of the meeting. This group is not intended to replace a 12-step program and attendees are requested to work such a program as well as have 6 months of abstinence. The first meeting of the month is a discussion of one of the Lojong Slogans that is selected randomly by one of the members. The slogan is contemplated between meetings and is posted on the 12 Fold Path Yahoo Group for discussion. At the second meeting of the month a volunteer shares a relevant reading of their choice. After all present have had an opportunity to share without cross-talk there is open discussion. Meetings are closed with the Dedication of Merit. Voluntary donations are welcome and appreciated but not required. Study and discussion focus may change from time to time.

The following definition is adapted from the Sarpashana Sourcebook: Sarpashana is a Sanskrit term meaning “poison eater.” The symbol for the group is the peacock because of an Ancient Hindu story that the peacock derives it’s brilliant plumage from its consumption of poison. It’s ability to transform poison into nourishment gives it both beauty and a proper kind of pride. Applied to a Buddhist-oriented education, counseling, and support network, sarpashana may be understood to mean that the poison is the disease of alcoholism (or any other addictive tendency). Addiction produced a kind of false pride and we are consumed with ego-arrogance. By consuming our disease, in other words, by recognizing it for what it is, accepting the karma of it , and responding by first educating ourselves; second, taking it personally; and finally, acting on what we know to be true, we transform ourselves and discover our true nature— symbolized by the magnificent tail of the peacock. Then, with genuine pride in being fearlessly human, at home in the world, we can proclaim the dharma of what we have learned and the dharma of what we experienced to other sentient beings who suffer in this dark age.

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