SBN Editor, Author at Secular Buddhist Network

POSTS:

SBN Editor

Statement on Israel/Palestine

As individuals who embrace a secular or naturalistic approach to the dharma, one that is based on the goal of reducing suffering and facilitating the flourishing of all beings in this world, we feel a responsibility to speak out about the horrific events in Israel and Palestine.

A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Carmel

Although deeply influenced and inspired by some aspects of Judaism, Carmel Shalev began to lose faith in God and his commandments because they treated women as somehow limited and second best to men. She eventually connected with Buddhist teachers and found that Stephen Batchelor's secular approach resonated deeply with her.

Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #49 October 2023

Welcome to our October 2023 newsletter. This month we highlight two educational programs: an online course on secular Buddhism and socially engaged Buddhism in October and a retreat in December led by Stephen Batchelor, Winton Higgins, and Lenorë Lambert on secular dharma and ethical living. We also feature a review by Mike Slott of David McMahan's new book on meditation, a practitioner's account of his journey to secular Buddhism, and a new article by Jochen Weber.

SBN Interviews

Since the SBN website went public in October 2019, we've conducted interviews with a number of meditation teachers and writers on issues related to secular Buddhism.

Stephen Batchelor: dharma talks and interviews

Stephen Batchelor is the most prominent proponent of secular Buddhism. Beginning with his book Buddhism Without Beliefs , Stephen has played a crucial role in the development of a secular dharma relevant to our contemporary society.

Bodhi College’s After Buddhism and Beyond Course

Bodhi College's self-study, online course, After Buddhism and Beyond, will offer a comprehensive series of Stephen Batchelor's lectures, reflections, and discussions on the theme of Secular Dharma. The course includes videos with talks and Q&As, Stephen’s notes, questions for self reflection, and a resources guide.

A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Craig

Craig Murphy encountered Buddhist-inspired meditation practices through John Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR approach in the early 1990s. Craig has found that a secular approach which eschews metaphysics to be most consistent with his perspective toward life and society.

A taste of reflective meditation

If you would like to learn more about the reflective meditation approach, Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer are offering an introduction to reflective meditation on 20 September and 23 October.

Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #48 September 2023

Welcome to our September 2023 newsletter. This month we highlight new articles by Pedro Bellora, Tom Cummings, and Linda Modaro/Nelly Kaufer. In addition, we introduce a new tool to facilitate the formation of local sanghas and highlight a workshop on secular Buddhism and socially engaged Buddhism..

Looking for a sangha?

Many secular dharma practitioners are looking for in-person sanghas to enrich their practice. To facilitate the development of local sanghas, SBN has established a listing for individuals looking to meet others in their geographical area.