Online: A Verified Kind of Faith – Buddhism & Addiction Recovery
with Walt Opie
Thursday, June 5th, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm ET
For many of us in recovery from addiction, the word “faith” can conjure up memories of being forced to participate in organized religion or it can feel related to a so-called “higher power.”
When Buddhist teachings refer to faith, it’s different. The Buddha himself discouraged people from acting out of blind faith. Instead, Buddhism describes three ways that faith, or confidence, can manifest or build over time, including: bright faith, verified faith, and unshakeable faith.
According to the well-known teacher Gil Fronsdal, faith in Buddhism is not a belief system but a faculty or a capacity we have that we can develop further. In fact, faith, just like recovery, can be a kind of empowerment. With support from the teachings and others on similar journeys, we learn how to trust our inner wisdom. We gain a new kind of inner confidence.
During this program, we will explore the three different types of faith, as well as how faith in the Buddhist teachings and practices can help keep us on the path of recovery. There will be guided meditation, a dharma talk, and time for sharing and discussion.
Please join us for this special evening of learning to strengthen our inner resources through the Buddhist teachings.
Registration:
Please register below. If you are able, registering at the “Supporter” level enables others to attend at the “Subsidized” level. Thank you for your generosity! (Please note that the registration price includes a base level of teacher support, and you will have the opportunity to donate more after the program.)
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Volunteering
All of our programs rely on volunteers to support our teachers and staff with various tasks and responsibilities. Volunteering allows you to participate in our programs at no cost. To inquire about volunteering opportunities, please fill out our inquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Teacher(s)
Walt Opie
Walt Opie was first introduced to insight meditation in 1993 and began sitting retreats in 2005. Currently, his most influential teachers include Bhikkhu Analayo, Joseph Goldstein, Sayadaw U Tejaniya, and Gil Fronsdal. Walt is a graduate of the 2017-2021 IMS Teacher Training Program, as well as Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leaders program. He has led sitting groups for people in recovery and served as a volunteer teacher in several California prisons. His website is www.waltopie.com.