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A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Jim
Jim Bronson connected with the Theravāda tradition and Insight meditation over 20 years ago, after the death of his first wife. As a scientist, he was attracted to the secular aspects of Theravāda and began to learn more about secular Buddhism. He finds inspiration in Stephen Batchelor's view that ‘a secular Buddhist is one who is committed to the practice of the dharma for the sake of this world alone.’
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #43 April 2023
Welcome to our April 2023 newsletter. This month we highlight an interview with Stephen Batchelor on Mindfulness Based Ethical Living, a new article by Bhikkhu Santi, a practitioner's account of her journey to secular Buddhism,  and an upcoming secular dharma retreat with Stephen Batchelor, Winton Higgins, and Lenorë Lambert.
An interview with Stephen Batchelor on Mindfulness Based Ethical Living
On 22 February 2023, Stephen Batchelor was interviewed by Ayda Duroux, Saskia Graf, and Jochen Weber from Buddha-Stiftung, and Mike Slott from the Secular Buddhist Network. Stephen discussed the key aspects of a new practical and ethical philosophy, Mindfulness Based Ethical Living (MBEL).
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #42 March 2023
Welcome to the March 2023 newsletter. This month we highlight new articles by Robert M. Ellis, Harry Somaraju, and Seth Zuihō Segall, a practitioner's account of her journey to secular Buddhism,  and a new SBN discussion group for practitioners who are socially engaged.
A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Kathy
Kathy Lang particularly appreciates the secular Buddhist emphasis on bringing the practice to everyday life and the the view of nirvana as a process of reducing reactivity, rather than as the metaphysical goal of a state beyond our present reality.
Mindfulness for Everyone: an online course
Dave Smith, a Buddhist meditation teacher and co-founder of the Secular Dharma Foundation, is offering a new online course, Mindfulness for Everyone. This self-paced course offers a dynamic and comprehensive understanding of mindfulness from a secular perspective.
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #41 February 2023
Welcome to the February 2023 newsletter. This month we highlight an interview with Nelly Kaufer and Linda Modaro on their new book on reflective meditation, a practitioner's account of his journey to secular Buddhism, and a new article by Dennis SengTing Oliver. We also feature an important 2015 dharma talk by Winton Higgins on a secular approach to Insight meditation.
An interview with Nelly Kaufer and Linda Modaro on Reflective Meditation
In an interview with SBN, Nelly Kaufer and Linda Modaro discussed dharma teaching, their reflective meditation approach, and their new book, Reflective Meditation: Cultivating Kindness and Curiosity in the Buddha's Company.
A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Ronn
Ronn Smith began an intensive study of Buddhism at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS) in 2008 and then gravitated toward a secular approach through an engagement with Stephen Batchelor's writings. For Ronn, the ethical and philosophical dimensions of secular dharma are crucial; in particular, the emphasis on flourishing and care rather than on suffering.
An introduction to secular Buddhism
For those who are curious about or interested in secular Buddhism and want to learn about this relatively new trend within Buddhism, this article will provide a helpful starting point for exploring a secular approach to the dharma.
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #40 January 2023
Welcome to our January 2023 newsletter. This month we highlight new articles by Lenorë Lambert, John Danvers, and Seth Zuiho Segall, a practitioner's account of his journey to secular Buddhism, and Dave Smith's online weekly practice community.
A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Steve
Steve Holdsambeck and his family were deeply involved for many years in the southern (USA) Methodist Church. However, through a very emotional and difficult transition, he began to question his Christian faith and developed an increasing interest in meditation, which eventually led to an interest in Stephen Batchelor's books and secular Buddhism.
Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #39 December 2022
Welcome to our December 2022 newsletter. This month we highlight a series of workshops by Stephen Batchelor on Mindfulness Based Ethical Living,  a practitioner's account of his journey to secular Buddhism,  a new article by Bernat Font-Clos, and an online course on the dharma of social engagement offered by David Loy.
Stephen Batchelor’s program on Mindfulness Based Human Flourishing
Stephen Batchelor offered a series of four workshops last month on the topic of ‘Mindfulness Based Human Flourishing (MBHF): The Ethics and Philosophy of Mindful Living’.  The workshops explored  the role of mindfulness practice as a key to flourishing in every aspect of human life.
A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Keith
Keith Clanton's initial religious experience was with Christianity but he has been interested in Buddhism for many decades. He finds that Buddhist teachings in a secular/agnostic form fit well with how he sees the world. Keith has taken vows with a group called the Secular Buddhist Tradition (SBT) and is also active in various SBN groups.