#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.
Lenorë Lambert's The Buddha for Modern Minds
Lenorë Lambert's new book, The Buddha for Modern Minds: A non-religious guide to the Buddha and his teachings, provides newcomers to Buddhism and experienced practitioners with answers to key questions such as: Does the dharma teach passivity? Is the dharma anti-passion? What are the different ‘schools’ of Buddhism? Do I need to find a teacher to learn the dharma? The book also offers a deep dive into the Four Great Tasks (orthodox Four Noble Truths) and brings them alive with personal stories and practical suggestions.
SBN's online group holds its first meeting
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.
Dharma vision and tragic vision
In a dharma talk given to the Bluegum Sangha (Australia), Winton Higgins discusses the close affinity between Gotama’s notion of dukkha and the tragic tradition in western culture, beginning with the Greek tragic playwrights. A common theme is that our difficulties are an essential part of every human life. Our task is to embrace these difficult challenges and say ‘yes’ to life no matter how dire the predicament.
Connect with Secular Buddhists worldwide
If you have a sangha, centre, meditation group, resource or website, or are an individual who would like to connect with other secular Buddhists, fill out our simple form and we can add you to our listing of secular Buddhist groups and individuals.
We've also developed an interactive map as a visual aid to encourage communication and also make it easy to see where we might find others travelling the same spiritual path.
Bodhi College's online course: After Buddhism and Beyond
Bodhi College is offering an online course, After Buddhism and Beyond, that will include a comprehensive series of lectures, reflections, and discussions on the theme of Secular Dharma. The course will be taught by Stephen Batchelor and begins 13 February 2021. Registrations are still available.
Dave Smith's Buddhist Recovery Online Class and Community
Dave Smith, a Buddhist meditation teacher, addiction treatment specialist, and published author, is offering a new program beginning February 2021: Buddhist Recovery Online Class and Community. This is a teacher-directed, community-based monthly subscription program.
Readers' meeting for Creative Dharma
The editors of the newsletter Creative Dharma are holding an online meeting for readers in late February 2021. The editors will discuss what is planned for the newsletter and answer questions from readers.
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Learn about the basic ideas and concepts of secular Buddhism through a free online course
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