Welcome to our August 2025 newsletter.
This month we feature: articles by Ayda Duroux, Jesus Perez, Marc Symons, and John Tate; Ted Meissner's 2020 interview with Matteo Pistono about his book, Roar: Sulak Sivaraksa and the Path of Socially Engaged Buddhism; and two courses that will be offered in September.
Exploring Awareness During Daily Life
Marc Symons discusses how the practice of receptive awareness enables us to be more mindful and less reactive off the cushion and in our daily lives.
Cultivating Ethical Mindfulness: Reflections on our MBEL Workshop in Hong Kong
Ayda Duroux discusses a workshop on Mindfulness Based Ethical Living (MBEL) that she and Stephen Batchelor offered at the International Conference of Mindfulness - Asia Pacific (ICMAP) 2025.
MBEL Pilot Course to Begin in September
A ten week, online course on Mindfulness Based Ethical Living (MBEL) will be offered beginning in September 2025. Ayda Duroux and Carmel Shalev will be the facilitators of the course. Please note: The deadline for applying for the course is Monday, August 4.
Ted Meissner's The Secular Buddhist Podcast
Over fifteen years and 337 episodes, Ted Meissner's Secular Buddhist podcast provided those interested in the secular dharma with fascinating and insightful interviews with meditation teachers and writers. This month we feature Ted's interview with Matteo Pistono on his book, Roar: Sulak Sivaraksa and the Path of Socially Engaged Buddhism, originally aired on June 19, 2020.
Matteo Pistono is a writer, meditation teacher, and conscious breathing guide dedicated to helping others live their best lives. Matteo has authored several other books, including Breathe How You Want to Feel, Meditation: Coming to Know Your Mind, Fearless in Tibet, and In the Shadow of the Buddha.
A Secular Buddhism Based on the Lotus Sūtra
John Tate offers an alternative foundation for secular Buddhism through a new interpretation of the Lotus Sutra.
A Critique of Secular Buddhism
Jesus Perez argues that secular Buddhism is characterized by a sense of cultural superiority over non-western cultures and reflects a worldview shaped by commercialism and individualism.
Sign Up for SBN's Exploring a Secular Dharma Course
Secular Buddhist Network's free online course, Exploring a Secular Dharma, will run from September 15 to November 17, 2025. The course explores the key ideas and practices of secular Buddhism, an important trend that has emerged in Buddhism in recent years. To sign up for the course, click here.
Connect with the Secular Buddhist Network
Looking for a sangha? - To facilitate the development of local sanghas, SBN has established a listing for individuals looking to meet others in their geographical area. Click here.
SBN's Monthly Discussion Group - Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Click here.
Sunday Morning Meditation Group - Meets every Sunday at 11 am US Eastern Time on Zoom. Click here.
Sunday Evening Practice Circle- A long-time offering of the Secular Buddhist Association, meets the 2nd and 4th Sunday every month, 8:00 p.m. Central Time (9:00 p.m. Eastern). Click here.
SBN Reading Groups- SBN sponsors two reading groups. Book, article, video and podcast selections for both groups focus on topics related to secular Buddhism. Click here.
Exploring Aging from a Secular Buddhist Perspective- Meets the second and last Monday of each month on Zoom. Click here.
Secular Dharma and Political Activism - Meets the first Friday of every month on Zoom. Click here.
Secular Buddhist Zen Pub - Meets every Saturday, 11 am US Eastern Time on Zoom. Click here.
SBN online course on Exploring a Secular Dharma- Click here to 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. Click here.
Upcoming courses and retreats - Click here for a listing of upcoming courses, programs, and retreats of interest for secular Buddhists and socially engaged Buddhists.
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