POSTS:

Secular Buddhism

Compassion and wisdom in times of division: Impressions from the Mind and Life Summer Research Institute
Carmel Shalev offers her reflections on how to cultivate compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom in times of intense change, divisions, and uncertainty.
Kickstarter Campaign launched for Tuwhiri’s new book – Mindful Solidarity
Tuwhiri will be publishing our next book Mindful Solidarity: A Secular Buddhist Democratic Socialist Dialogue by Mike Slott in October 2024, and launching a Kickstarter campaign for the book on 25 July
A practitioner’s journey to secular Buddhism: Cathryn
Cathryn Jacob became disillusioned with the dogmatism of an independent, charismatic church when she was young and was an atheist for many years. As part of her process of recovery later in life, Cathryn found that the Secular Dharma provided her with the concepts, skills and practices to ‘live life on life’s terms’, to flourish, and to help others do the same.
Why don't you respond?
When the Buddha refused to respond
Ramsey Margolis discusses the refusal of Gotama, the historical Buddha, to discuss metaphysical questions. Instead, his focus was on the alleviation of suffering
The next book from Tuwhiri: Mindful Solidarity
Tuwhiri, a publishing imprint which provides educational resources for secular dharma practitioners, announces their next book, Mindful Solidarity
Self-Sayings of a (Sometimes) Secular Monk: Part III – Dharma Principles for Approaching the Dharma
In the last of a series of three articles, Bhikkhu Santi offers a set of ‘self-sayings’ or principles for approaching Buddhist texts, teachings, and practices in contemporary contexts of study and practice.
Self-Sayings of a (Sometimes) Secular Monk: Part II – Dharma-Specific General Principles
In the second of a series of three articles, Bhikkhu Santi offers a set of ‘self-sayings’ or principles for understanding Buddhist texts, teachings, and practices.
Self-Sayings of a (Sometimes) Secular Monk: Part 1 – General Dharma Principles
In the first of a series of articles, Bhikkhu Santi offers a set of ‘self-sayings’ or principles for approaching the dharma in the sense of ‘all phenomena’ or ‘nature’.
ELSA Recovery: Recovery from addiction within a secular dharma framework
Cathryn Jacob announces the creation of ELSA Recovery, a community in which Stephen Batchelor's secular dharma teachings are blended with practical applications aimed at recovery from addiction.
One Mindful Breath looks great … so where’s the catch?
Ramsey Margolis reflects on the challenge of engaging in the secular dharma as an autonomous practitioner, fully responsible for our actions
A conversation between Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi
On 21 April 2024, Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi discussed Stephen's forthcoming book, Buddha, Socrates and Us, the meanings of monasticism, and the import of ancient wisdom for our contemporary moment.
Secular reflections on the five precepts
At SBN’s monthly discussion group meeting last week, several members of the Secular Buddhism Meets Western Psychology subgroup offered their perspectives on Buddhism’s five precepts, including their relevance to our daily practice.
Secular Buddhist honored with an ‘Outstanding Women in Buddhism’ award
Saskia Graf, a meditation teacher and project manager for Buddha Stiftung, a secular Buddhist organization in Germany, was honored with an Outstanding Women in Buddhism Award.
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?
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.