Welcome to our August 2026 newsletter.
This month we feature articles by Alexandra Cain, Robert M. Ellis, Ed Geraty, and Jochen Weber.
MBEL: From Interdependence to Ethical Habits
Jochen Weber discusses a new version of the Mindfulness Based Ethical Living (MBEL) course that translates the four tasks and eightfold path into a culturally accessible, habit-based practice model.
The Heart Sutra from a Secular Buddhist Perspective
The Heart Sutra is renowned for its central teaching: "Form is emptiness; emptiness is form." According to Ed Geraty, this statement does not describe a supernatural realm but points to the insight that all things are impermanent, contingent, and interconnected.
The Dharmic Imperative Towards Radical, Socially Engaged Buddhism
Alexandra Cain argues that Buddhist practice should not stop at the individual but challenge the craving and greed that drives exploitative and oppressive social institutions.
Our wonky wheel: Why Buddhist practice is a response to bias
Robert M. Ellis's new book, Bias and the Middle Way, explores how mindfulness, the Middle Way, and psychological theories can help us avoid biases which cause suffering.
Join One of SBN's New Committees
As part of our 2026 strategic plan, SBN has established new committees to implement priority action items:
- Sangha Committee
- Website Committee
- Editorial Committee
- Community Engagement Committee
- Finances and Fundraising Committee
If you'd like to join one one or more of these committees to help SBN offer more resources and create more sanghas, click here.
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.
Exploring Secularism - Meets the last Thursday of every month, 12 Noon US Eastern Time on Zoom. For more information, click here.
Daily Life Practice Group - Meets the first and third Tuesday of every month, 1 pm US Eastern Time on Zoom. For more information, click here.
SBN online course on Exploring a Secular Dharma- Click here to learn about the basic ideas and concepts of secular Buddhism through an online course.
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