Welcome to our January 2024 newsletter.
This month we feature new articles by Edward Morey,, Carmel Shalev, and Cedar Thokme. We also highlight an upcoming online retreat sponsored by the Secular Buddhist Network and a "job posting" from Tuwhiri, a secular Buddhist publishing imprint.
Reflections in a time of war
Based on a secular Buddhist ethic of care, compassion, and radical uncertainty, Carmel Shalev offers her reflections on the current situation in Israel/Palestine.
An SBN online retreat
The Secular Buddhist Network will be offering a half-day, online retreat on 4 February 2024, from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm US EST.
Behavior, choice, and well-being: economics and Buddhism
In his new book, Edward Morey explores the relationships between behavior, choice, and ethics in welfare economics and Buddhism.
Tuwhiri needs a few good people
The Tuwhiri Project publishes books on early Buddhism, its retrieval, and a secular adaptation to 21st century conditions. The members of Tuwhiri’s editorial board are looking for a small number of people in Europe, the Americas and beyond to join the board and replace the current members at the appropriate time. Do you have skills in editing and writing? Do you want to see more books published on secular Buddhism and related topics? If so, email Ramsey Margolis at ramsey@tuwhiri.nz for more information.
Man of Peace – The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet
Cedar Thokme introduces Man of Peace, an historical, graphic novel about the Dalai Lama that was produced by Tibet House US.
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. When you join the listing, you'll have access to a private listing of individuals who are seeking sangha-mates.
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.
Tuwhiri Reading Group on What is this is? Ancient questions for modern minds- 21 Jan to 28 Apr 2024 on Zoom (Timed to suit people in the Americas, Europe and Africa)
What is this? contains a series of talks given by Martine and Stephen Batchelor during a Sŏn (Chan/Zen) retreat in England. Leading us through the practice of radical questioning at the heart of this Korean Buddhist tradition, the authors show how anyone at all can benefit from this form of radical inquiry today. Stephen and Martine show how a practice with its origins in China 1000 years ago can meld with insights from the natural sciences, classical and modern western philosophy, Romantic poetry, and early Buddhism. Facilitated by Gaia House teacher, Tony O’Connor, the reading group will discuss one chapter each week, and Martine Batchelor will take questions during a special session on 5 May 2024. For more info and to reserve your place email ask@tuwhiri.nz.
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