SBN Editor, Author at Secular Buddhist Network

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SBN Editor

Reimagining Community newsletter #17 February 2021

Welcome to our February 2021 newsletter. This month we highlight a new book by Lenorë Lambert on secular Buddhism, the first meeting of the SBN online group, and a new article by Winton Higgins. We also note a new Bodhi College course taught by Stephen Batchelor, a secular program for Buddhist recovery from Dave Smith, and a virtual townhall for readers of the newsletter, Creative Dharma.

SBN’s online group meets for the first time

The Secular Buddhist Network online group held its first meeting 21 January. 41 people participated in the Zoom meeting from nine countries: Costa Rica, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, France, Australia, Germany, Canada, and the U.S. During the meeting, the participants shared their practice and perspectives with each other as we explored the relevance of secular Buddhism in our lives.

Reimagining Community newsletter #16 January 2021

Welcome to our January 2021 newsletter. This month we highlight new articles by Linda Modaro, Stefano Bettera, and Mike Slott, as well as an interview with David Edwards, a UK-based media critic. We also note the publication of a new book from Tuwhiri, a publishing imprint created by secular Buddhists, and the first meeting of a new online group for secular Buddhists.

Tuwhiri to publish new book, ‘Love you: public policy for intergenerational wellbeing’

Tuwhiri, a publishing imprint created by secular Buddhists in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, is publishing a new book by Girol Karacaoglu, 'Love you: public policy for intergenerational wellbeing', This book examines the processes by which wellbeing-focused public policy objectives - consistent with the Buddhist ethic of care - are established, and implemented.

An interview with David Edwards on corporate media bias, political activism, and meditation

SBN interviewed David Edwards, the co-editor of the UK-based media watch site Media Lens and author of several books. David discussed his critique of corporate media bias and how political activists can make a real difference by focusing on being, not just on doing; on learning to truly live and feel, rather than solely on external change.

Reimagining Community newsletter #15 December 2020

Welcome to our December 2020 newsletter. This month we announce a new online group for secular Buddhists. We also highlight the continuing debate between Seth Zuihō Segall and Winton Higgins on secular Buddhism, an interview with Robert Wright, a new dharma talk by Stephen Batchelor, and the Spring 2021 SBN course on After Buddhism: exploring a secular dharma.

Seth Zuihō Segall and Winton Higgins debate the meaning and value of secular Buddhism

Beginning with Seth Zuihō Segall's article, 'Why I am not a secular Buddhist,' Seth and Winton Higgins have engaged in a dialogue on SBN about the meaning and value of secular Buddhism. They have discussed the notion of secularity, religion and religious experience, the role of community, and other key issues.

Stephen Batchelor on a ‘Secular Perspective on the Eightfold Path’

In a dharma talk given to the Community Meditation Center (New York City, USA), Stephen Batchelor discussed a secular perspective on the Noble Eightfold Path.

An interview with Robert Wright on evolutionary psychology and a naturalistic approach to Buddhism

SBN interviewed Robert Wright, the author of why 'Buddhism is True,' on evolutionary psychology, his naturalistic approach to Buddhism, and his view of secular Buddhism.

Reimagining Community newsletter #14 November 2020

Welcome to our November 2020 newsletter. This month we highlight new articles by Seth Zuihō Segall and Winton Higgins, two online courses on the secular dharma, two new books by Tuwhiri, and a new course from Sati Sangha on 'ethical reflecting.' We also ask for feedback about the website and newsletter.

Upcoming courses and retreats for secular Buddhists

Upcoming courses, workshops, and retreats led by Stephen Batchelor and other teachers which focus on issues essential to developing a secular dharma.

Reimagining Community newsletter #13 October 2020

Welcome to our October 2020 newsletter. This month we highlight recent dharma talks by Winton Higgins and Stephen Batchelor, as well as new articles by Dr. Cathryn Jacob and Bernat Font. Our feature is an excerpt from a provocative, new article by Stefano Bettera on the 'God of the Buddha.'

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.