Welcome to our September 2023 newsletter.
This month we highlight new articles by Pedro Bellora, Tom Cummings, and Linda Modaro/Nelly Kaufer. In addition, we introduce a new tool to facilitate the formation of local sanghas and highlight a workshop on secular Buddhism and socially engaged Buddhism.
Looking for a sangha?
Many secular dharma practitioners are looking for in-person sanghas to enrich their practice. To facilitate the development of local sanghas, SBN has established a listing for individuals looking to meet others in their geographical area. When you join the listing, you'll have access to a private listing of individuals who are seeking sangha-mates.
Moving from regret to remorse
Tom Cummings discusses the difference between regret, which is linked to anger and resentment, and remorse, which elicits a response of compassion and caring..
At the crossroads of secular and socially engaged Buddhism – a four week course
Facilitated by Katya de Kadt, Mike Slott, and Karsten Struhl, this four-evening online workshop series will explore two key trends in Buddhism today: a secular or naturalistic approach to the dharma and socially engaged Buddhism. The workshop, which is sponsored by New York Insight, will explore how the secular dharma and socially engaged Buddhism contribute both to individual transformation and social change.
Developing the muscle of reflection in meditation practice
Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer discuss the role and value of reflection in meditation practice in a three-part podcast series.
Embrace what you play
Pedro Bellora explains how a phrase he read in a music book not only changed the way he played but helped him to connect more deeply to a basic concept of secular Buddhism, the four tasks.
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.
The Wellbeing Summit: Gathering at the intersection of wellbeing and social change - 4 September to 8 September, at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, USA
Join changemakers, wellbeing practitioners, and thought leaders for a transformative experience dedicated to advancing individual and collective wellbeing for those on the frontlines of social change. For more information, click here.
Secular Dharma and Ethical Living: How to Engage in a World of Crisis - 3 December to 10 September, at the St. Joseph’s Retreat Centre Kincumber, NSW, Australia (and online)
Led by Stephen Batchelor, Winton Higgins, and Lenore Lambert, this residential study retreat will explore how a secular approach to the dhamra can help provide the ethical perspectives and practices needed to engage effectively with the various interconnected crises our world faces in the twenty-first century. In addition to talks and conversations between the teachers, the retreat will include periods of meditation as well as group discussions. For more information, click here.
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