Anchor vs DharmaMonk

Anchor is a minimal grounding app for when emotions feel overwhelming. It provides gentle, evidence-based phrases to help you stay grounded during moments of panic, anxiety, sadness, or anger. Just open it, tap a mode, and read — one phrase at a time, at your own pace. HOW IT WORKS Each mode follows a three-phase approach based on Self-Instructional Training, a technique developed by psychologist Donald Meichenbaum: 1. Preparation — Understand what's happening. Normalize your response. 2. Confrontation — Active coping statements to help you through the moment. 3. Reinforcement — When you're feeling better, receive encouragement that builds confidence for next time. Tap through phrases at your own pace. When you're ready, tap "I'm feeling better" to transition to reinforcement. FEATURES • Five built-in modes: Panic, Anxiety, Sadness, Anger, and Grounding • Create your own custom modes with personalized names • Add, edit, or hide phrases for any mode • Three languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese • Five themes: Auto, Black, Dark, Light, and White • Works on iPhone and iPad EVIDENCE-BASED The grounding techniques in Anchor are rooted in established psychological practices. Our content has been reviewed by mental health professionals to ensure it follows evidence-based approaches. PRIVACY BY DESIGN • No accounts — no sign-up, no login • No analytics — we don't track anything • No ads — ever • No internet required — works completely offline • All data stays on your device Your custom phrases and settings are stored only on your device. Nothing is sent anywhere. OPEN SOURCE Anchor is fully open source. You can inspect every line of code at github.com/NicoDeGiacomo/anchor IMPORTANT This app is not a medical tool or therapy replacement. It does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or professional advice. If you are in crisis, please contact local emergency services or a trusted professional.

When life gets heavy, you don't always need an answer — sometimes you just need to be heard. My Zen Master is a private conversation partner grounded in Buddhist wisdom. Ask about anxiety, grief, identity, restlessness, or anything weighing on your mind — and receive thoughtful reflections drawn from wisdom traditions including Zen, Tiantai, Mādhyamika, and modern contemplatives. No accounts. No tracking. Your reflections stay yours. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • No subscriptions, no ads, no data collection • Draws from real philosophical depth — not generic affirmations • Responds in your language — English, Chinese, and more • Conversation feels natural, not scripted WHO IT'S FOR • Anyone going through a hard time who wants perspective, not platitudes • Meditators looking for a reflection companion • People curious about Buddhist philosophy but unsure where to start • Anyone who values privacy in their inner life Built with care. No internet required. Just you and the question. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • Philosophically grounded — Drawing from Tiantai Buddhism, Mādhyamika, consciousness studies, and social philosophy. • Personal memory — The master remembers what you share across sessions, offering deeper, more personal reflections over time. Clear your memories anytime. • No subscriptions, no ads, no tracking — Free, private, and yours. HOW IT WORKS Ask about meditation, the Four Noble Truths, dependent origination, emptiness (śūnyatā), or simply share what's on your mind. The master meets you where you are.