#31 April 2022
Welcome to our April 2022 newsletter.
This month we highlight a recent talk by Stephen Batchelor on an ethics of uncertainty, Dennis SengTing Oliver's article on the emergence of Navayana Buddhism, and Seth Zuihō Segall's proposal for a new model of eudainomic enlightenment as the goal of our practice.
Stephen Batchelor on an ethics of uncertainty
Stephen Batchelor recently gave an online talk on an ethics of uncertainty which was sponsored by Mind and Life Europe. Stephen argued that both the historical Buddha, Gotama, and Socrates articulate a situational ethics that is grounded in compassion and unknowing rather than a priori moral convictions and metaphysical certainties.
The emergence of Navayana Buddhism
Dennis SengTing Oliver argues that despite the wide variety of Buddhisms practised in the west, there are certain common trends within western Buddhism that may be the basis for a new ‘yana’ or vehicle for practitioners: Navayana Buddhism.
What is eudaimonic enlightenment?
Seth Zuihō Segall proposes a model of eudaimonic enlightenment that he believes integrates the best of the Buddhist and Aristotelian approaches. It is based on a version of Buddhism that is pragmatic and naturalistic, and that has the enhancement of individual and collective flourishing both within a single lifetime and over the course of long-term social development as its ultimate goals.
Connect with the Secular Buddhist Network
Online discussion group - meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. It’s a great opportunity for secular Buddhists and those who are interested in learning more about a secular approach to the dharma to connect with each other and to discuss key issues.
Online meditation group - meets every Sunday. Each meeting of the group lasts about 40 minutes. We start with a welcome and introduction (2-5 minutes), followed by a 30-minute silent meditation, and close with a brief period of sharing about our meditation experiences.
Online reading group - meets the first Thursday of each month. The readings are chosen by the participants and focus on issues related to a secular Buddhism, including basic concepts of a secular approach, meditation, mindfulness, and the relationship between secular Buddhism and traditional Buddhist lineages and practices.
Online group on Exploring aging from a secular Buddhist perspective - meets monthly. The group shares experiences of aging and how we can use our practice to respond skillfully to the process of aging.
SBN online courses on Exploring a secular dharma - Learn about the basic ideas and concepts of secular Buddhism through a free online course.
Upcoming Events, Workshops, and Retreats
SBN's Calendar of Meetings and Courses - A calendar of SBN sponsored discussion and meditation groups, as well as SBN's courses on secular Buddhism.
Sati Sangha Online Retreat (led by Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer) - 29 April to 2 May
The 'Four Noble Truths/Tasks' are traditionally considered a core of the Buddha’s teachings. In Reflective Meditation this teaching has evolved into what we may simply call 'ennobling'. On this retreat we’ll go into 'The Four Noble Truths/Tasks' and take this teaching into the heart of our meditation practice. We can each discover, from our own experience, how they may be ennobling. Click here for more information.
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