Insights: Exploring Secular Dharma #77 February 2026

February 1, 2026


Welcome to our February 2026 newsletter.

This month we feature articles by Jan Bover and Ramsey Margolis, an interview with Stephen Batchelor, and news from SBN. 


Ezra Klein Interviews Stephen Batchelor on “What is this?”

Ezra Klein, a New York Times columnist, interviewed Stephen Batchelor. They discussed the Seon Buddhist meditation practice of What is this? and Batchelor's reframing of the Four Noble Truths as four tasks.

Find out more.

Good for Nothing?

Jan Bover explores different aspects of the Zen Buddhist notion of meditation as "good for nothing."

Find out more.

How Can SBN Best Serve You? Join Our Feb. 28 Community Gathering to Plan Our Next Steps

SBN will be holding a 1-hour community meeting on Saturday, February 28, at 3 pm US Eastern Time (8pm in the UK/Ireland, 9 pm in Europe). As SBN continues to grow and build new sanghas, we invite you to offer your input and ideas. It's also a great opportunity to meet with others who have participated in various SBN online groups.

Join our SBN sangha gathering to connect, learn more and co-create our growing community.

To register for the meeting, click here.

Tuwhiri’s Next Book: Living Life on Life’s Terms

Tuwhiri, the secular Buddhist publishing imprint, will soon be publishing Living life on life’s terms: turning the wheel of secular dharma. The authors are Stephen Batchelor, Martine Batchelor and Bernat Font

In this book, these three leading voices bring to life the key ideas and practices of secular Buddhism. Stephen Batchelor offers a tapestry of philosophical insight, Martine Batchelor shares practical guidance for weaving practice into daily life, while Bernat Font adds creativity and warmth through stories and metaphors.

Find out more.


Connect with the Secular Buddhist Network

Looking for a sangha?  - To facilitate the development of local sanghas, SBN has established a listing for individuals looking to meet others in their geographical area. Click here.

SBN's Monthly Discussion Group  - Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Click here.

Sunday Morning Meditation Group - Meets every Sunday at 11 am US Eastern Time on Zoom. Click here.

Sunday Evening Practice Circle- A long-time offering of the Secular Buddhist Association, meets the 2nd and 4th Sunday every month, 8:00 p.m. Central Time (9:00 p.m. Eastern). Click here.

SBN Reading Groups- SBN sponsors two reading groups. Book, article, video and podcast selections for both groups focus on topics related to secular Buddhism. Click here.

Exploring Aging from a Secular Buddhist Perspective- Meets the second and last Monday of each month on Zoom. Click here.

Secular Dharma and Political Activism - Meets the first Friday of every month on Zoom. Click here.

Secular Buddhist Zen Pub - Meets every Saturday, 11 am US Eastern Time on Zoom. Click here.

SBN online course on Exploring a Secular Dharma- Click here to learn about the basic ideas and concepts of secular Buddhism through a free online course.


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