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SBN Editor

A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Cathryn
Cathryn Jacob became disillusioned with the dogmatism of an independent, charismatic church when she was young and was an atheist for many years. As part of her process of recovery later in life, Cathryn found that the Secular Dharma provided her with the concepts, skills and practices to ‘live life on life’s terms’, to flourish, and to help others do the same.
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #58 July 2024
Welcome to our July 2024 newsletter. This month we feature new articles by John Danvers,  Berislav Nižić, Bhikkhu Santi, and Karsten Struhl . We also highlight the next book from Tuwhiri, Mindful Solidarity.   
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #57 June 2024
Welcome to our June 2024 newsletter. This month we feature new articles by Tom Cummings, Cathryn Jacob, Ramsey Margolis, and Mario Sassi. We also highlight a conversation between Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi.
A conversation between Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi
On 21 April 2024, Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi discussed Stephen's forthcoming book, Buddha, Socrates and Us, the meanings of monasticism, and the import of ancient wisdom for our contemporary moment.
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #56 May 2024
Welcome to our May 2024 newsletter. This month we feature new articles by Saskia Graf and Wibo Koole, as well as perspectives on Buddhism's five precepts by three secular Buddhists. We also highlight two study opportunities for secular Buddhists.
Secular reflections on the five precepts
At SBN’s monthly discussion group meeting last week, several members of the Secular Buddhism Meets Western Psychology subgroup offered their perspectives on Buddhism’s five precepts, including their relevance to our daily practice.
Secular Buddhism and the Timeless: A Conversation with Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi
On 21 April, Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi will engage in a conversation on Stephen's forthcoming book, Buddha, Socrates and Us; the meanings of monasticism from a science-informed and politics-alert viewpoint; writing and the creative life; and the value of ancient wisdom for our contemporary moment.
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #55 April 2024
Welcome to our April 2024 newsletter. This month we feature new articles by Stefano La Fontana and John Peacock. We also highlight a secular dharma meditation retreat and an interview with a prominent advocate of mindfulness and compassion in society. Finally, we ask for help in redesigning our newsletter banner.
The Lotus Library: Free Buddhist eBooks on the internet
Founded by a small group of practicing, Buddhist volunteers in Australia, the Lotus Library offers free, Buddhist eBooks on the internet
Secular Dharma and Ethical Living Retreat
Stephen Batchelor, Winton Higgins, and Lenorë Lambert led a residential study retreat on Secular Dharma and Ethical Living in December 2023. Their secular dharma approach focused on the ethical perspectives and practices needed to engage with the various interconnected crises our world faces in the twenty-first century.
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #54 March 2024
Welcome to our March 2024 newsletter. This month we feature new articles by Kirk Mason and Tina Sideris. We also highlight a half day meditation retreat sponsored by SBN and a video presentation on Navigating the Artifical Intelligence Explosion with Buddhist Wisdom. Finally, we offer resources for mindful communication in these challenging times.
Resources for mindful communication
In a polarized society, how can we communicate wisely and compassionately? In this article we offer some valuable resources for mindful communication.
SBN’s half-day online meditation retreat
The Secular Buddhist Network (SBN) held a half-day, online meditation retreat on 4 February 2024. Unlike most traditional meditation retreats that are led by one or several teachers, who give meditation instructions and dharma talks, SBN's retreat was peer-led, with three people providing brief introductions for silent meditation periods.
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #53 February 2024
Welcome to our February 2024 newsletter. This month we feature new articles by Jack Chamberlin, Colette Descent, Carmel Shalev, and Karsten Struhl. We also highlight several offerings from SBN: a course, a retreat, and a new online group.
SBN’s new online group: the Secular Buddhist Zen Pub
SBN is starting a Saturday morning weekly zoom that is easy to drop in on, and rewarding through dharma insights and practical applications (including friendships).