Welcome to our August 2023 newsletter.
This month we highlight new articles by Tom Cummings, Ira Rifkin, and Cedar Thokme. In addition, we have an interview with Dave Smith about his new MBEL program and announce the opening of the registration period for our Fall 2023 course on secular Buddhism.
Tread with care: a secular Buddhist’s approach
Tom Cummings discusses how Gotama’s injunction to tread the path with care calls on us to think rigorously about how we’re living our one and only life, and especially about how we’re interacting with all those we meet along our path.
Register for SBN's online course on secular dharma
SBN's Exploring a Secular Dharma, an online course which introduces participants to the basic concepts and practices of a secular approach to the dharma, is now accepting registrations for our Fall 2023 course, which begins September 15.
An interview with Dave Smith on his 2024 MBEL program
In a 10 July interview with SBN, Dave Smith, an insight meditation and secular mindfulness teacher, discussed his new program on Mindfulness Based Ethical Living (MBEL), which will begin January 2024.
Secular Buddhism and Buddhist Modernism
Ira Rifkin discusses how the growth of secular Buddhism in recent years is part of a broader trend in society to question orthodox beliefs and to develop new forms of spirituality.
TIBET HOUSE US: a resource for secular Buddhists
Cedar Thokme discusses how and why Tibet House US, a non-profit center founded at the request of the Dalai Lama began, and the resources it currently offers to secular and traditional Buddhists alike.
Connect with the Secular Buddhist Network
Online discussion group - meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. It’s a great opportunity for secular Buddhists and those who are interested in learning more about a secular approach to the dharma to connect with each other and to discuss key issues.
Online meditation group - Our Sunday group meets every Sunday at 11 am US Eastern Time. After brief meditation instructions, we meditate silently for 30 minutes, followed by a period of sharing our experiences with each other. For more information, click here.
Online reading group - meets the first Thursday of each month. The readings are chosen by the participants and focus on issues related to a secular Buddhism, including basic concepts of a secular approach, meditation, mindfulness, and the relationship between secular Buddhism and traditional Buddhist lineages and practices.
Online group on Exploring aging from a secular Buddhist perspective - meets the last Monday of each month. The group shares experiences of aging and how we can use our practice to respond skillfully to the process of aging.
Online group on Secular Dharma in the Community - meets the first Friday of every month. This discussion group is 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.
SBN online course on Exploring a secular dharma - Learn about the basic ideas and concepts of secular Buddhism through a free online course.
Upcoming Events, Workshops, and Retreats
SBN's Calendar of Meetings and Courses - A calendar of SBN sponsored discussion and meditation groups, as well as SBN's courses on secular Buddhism.
Upcoming courses and retreats - Click here for a listing of upcoming courses, programs, and retreats of interest for secular Buddhists and socially engaged Buddhists.
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