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Two study opportunities for secular Buddhists

Tuwhiri, a publishing imprint which publishes books on early Buddhism and secular dharma, is sponsoring reading groups this year for two of its publications: Revamp and What is this?

The egocentricity of meditation: a critical reflection on motives and practices

Following David McMahan, Wibo Koole argues that mindfulness meditation practice is strongly influenced by the dominant forms of individualism in our culture.

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.

Unlearning meditation with AlphaZero

Stefano La Fontana explains how an A.I.-based chess program learns from experience, avoiding pre-conceived chess rules, much like his practice of recollective awareness meditation.

The Elephant in the Dharma Hall

John Peacock argues that for too many, Buddhist practice is a retreat into a quietism that ignores the pressing social and political realities of our time. In his view, politics must find its way into the dharma hall.

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.

Navigating the Artificial Intelligence explosion with Buddhist wisdom

The Buddhist Insight Network sponsored a presentation on ‘Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Explosion with Buddhist Wisdom’ by Randy Fernando.

A mindfulness based feminist ethics of care: weaving the feminist ethics of care and secular Buddhist concepts

Tina Sideris discusses the meaning and practice of care by considering how the feminist ethics of care and secular Buddhist concepts enhance each other.

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.

Secular Humanist Buddhism

Kirk Mason argues that secular humanist Buddhism, a synthesis of secular humanism and secular Buddhism, weaves together secular humanism's emphasis on reason, ethics, and human values with secular Buddhism's focus on mindfulness, meditation, and compassion.

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).

A Middle Way: a response to comments on ‘Reflections in a time of war’

Carmel Shalev received many comments regarding her reflections on Israel/Palestine posted on the SBN website. In this article she responds to several of the critical comments.

SBN’s Secular Dharma and Political Activism Group

The Secular Buddhist Network has formed a discussion group for those who wish to share their experiences of and discuss new possibilities for bringing secular Buddhist ideas, ethics, and practices to community groups, social service organizations, and political movements.

Using nonviolent communication (NVC) within right speech

Colette Descent explains why Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication approach provides a valuable tool for secular Buddhists.