What is RAFT?
RAFT stands for:
- Recognise (that life includes difficulty & understand our situation)
- Abandon (harmful cravings & compulsions)
- Freedom (from cravings to be experienced)
- Train (our body & mind on the path to liberation)
This 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.
Evolution for the Better!
RAFT Recovery evolved from ELSA Recovery and the Fifth Precept Sangha, and represents a natural evolution of the work these programmes began with. RAFT Recovery offers:
- A Clearer Structure: Organised around the Four Goals (RAFT), 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 Recovery, 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 stays the same?
The heart of our community and practice remains: commitment to harmlessness (rooted in the Five Precepts), the cultivation of mindfulness and compassion, and the supportive spirit of Sangha.
Want to know more?
Email us at contact@raftrecovery.org