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Stephen Batchelor on ‘Imagination, Creativity, and Magic’
In a dharma talk given to the Community Meditation Center (New York City, USA), Stephen Batchelor discussed the centrality of imagination and creativity to the dharmic path.
Reimagining Community newsletter #12 September 2020
Welcome to our September 2020 newsletter. This month we highlight articles on anti-racist resources for secular Buddhists, SBN's online course on secular Buddhism, and an important research study on meditation. The secular Buddhist glossary item for the month is SECULAR BUDDHISM. Finally, our feature is an excerpt from a new article by Stephen Batchelor on the threat of climate extinction.
Anti-racist resources for secular Buddhists
Among Buddhists of all lineages, including secular Buddhists, the need to confront racism has become increasingly apparent in recent years. This article provides SBN readers with useful resources selected from Buddhist meditation centers and other sources to aid us in the process of confronting racism in the Buddhist community in the West and in society as a whole.
The Secular Buddhist Network in Germany
There is a vibrant network of secular Buddhists in Germany. Learn about their network and the foundation that organizes symposia, discussions, retreats, open meditation evenings and publishes books and online content on Secular Buddhism.
A secular approach to practicing meditation
Secular Buddhists can and do practice meditation in a variety of ways, but there is no secular Buddhist meditation practice per se. Instead, secular Buddhists bring a secular outlook and orientation to existing forms of meditation practice.
Reimagining Community newsletter #11 August 2020
Welcome to our August 2020 newsletter. This month we introduce new articles by Bill Gayner and Alex Carr, as well as a recent dharma talk by Stephen Batchelor. We announce a new online course on secular Buddhism. The secular Buddhist glossary item for the month is SANGHA. Finally, our feature is an excerpt from a new article by Stefano Bettera.
Stephen Batchelor on ‘Everyday Nirvana’
In a dharma talk given to the Community Meditation Center (New York City, USA), Stephen Batchelor emphasized that nirvana should be understood as an experience of the cessation of reactivity rather than an end state or experience of complete and ultimate freedom from the poisons of greed, hatred, and confusion.
Reimagining Community newsletter #10 July 2020
Welcome to our July 2020 newsletter. This month’s glossary item is NOT SELF and we introduce new articles by Stefano Bettera, Ted Meissner, and Mike Slott. Our feature is an excerpt from an article by Lenore Lambert.
Reimagining Community newsletter #9 June 2020
Welcome to our June 2020 newsletter. This month’s glossary item is MINDFULNESS and we introduce new articles by John Danvers and Stefano Bettera, as well as a new secular mindfulness course offered by Dave Smith. Our feature is an excerpt from a dharma talk by Winton Higgins on secular Buddhist meditation.
Reimagining Community newsletter #8 May 2020
Welcome to our May 2020 newsletter. This month’s glossary item is the FOUR [GREAT] TASKS and we introduce new articles on the basics of secular Buddhism and Bodhi College's course on the Secular Dharma. We also want to know why you became a secular Buddhist and what you think of SBN's guidelines for contributors and readers' comments. Our feature article is an excerpt from Stephen Batchelor's new book, The Art of Solitude.
SBN guidelines for contributors and readers’ comments
As a ‘hub’ or space where dialogue is fostered and resources and experiences are shared among secular Buddhists, we will adhere to certain guidelines for contributors and readers' comments which are consistent with our approach and our intention to play a constructive role in the development of a secular approach to the dharma.
Reimagining Community newsletter #7 April 2020
Welcome to our April 2020 newsletter. This month’s glossary item is the FOUR IMMEASURABLES and we introduce new articles on secular Buddhists' responses to the coronavirus, how an Irish, working class radical became one of the first western Buddhist monks, and a book review of Evan Thompson's Why I am not a Buddhist. Our feature article is an excerpt from a blog post by Bernat Font on secular Buddhism.
Metta in the time of the coronavirus: responses of secular Buddhists to the pandemic
Several contributors to the Secular Buddhist Network website offer their insights on how we can best respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The common theme is that by fully understanding core Buddhist insights regarding impermanence, suffering, and interconnection, as well as cultivating an ethical stance of care and compassion, we can skillfully respond to this current crisis.
Exploring secular Buddhism through courses and retreats
For those who want an introduction to secular Buddhism, or who wish to explore key ideas in secular Buddhism more thoroughly, there are a number of excellent courses and retreats to choose from.
Reimagining Community newsletter #6 March 2020
Welcome to our March 2020 newsletter. This month’s glossary item is the FOUR FOCUSES OF MINDFULNESS and we introduce new articles by John Danvers and Bernat Font. Our feature article is an excerpt from a dharma talk given by Stpehen Batchelor.