Rethinking the Dharma / Reimagining Community #57 June 2024

May 26, 2024


Welcome to our June 2024 newsletter.

This month we feature new articles by Tom Cummings, Cathryn Jacob, Ramsey Margolis, and Mario Sassi. We also highlight a conversation between Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi.   


A conversation between Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi

Stephen Batchelor and Bhikkhu Santi discussed Stephen's forthcoming book, Buddha, Socrates and Us, the meanings of monasticism, and the import of ancient wisdom for our contemporary moment.

Find out more.

ELSA Recovery: Recovery from addiction within a secular dharma framework

Cathryn Jacob announces the creation of ELSA Recovery, a community in which Stephen Batchelor's secular dharma teachings are blended with practical applications aimed at recovery from addiction.

Find out more.

Interconnectedness and not-self

Tom Cummings argues that an awareness of our interconnectedness, a core aspect of not-self, is crucial for overcoming the divisions and conflicts that plague us today.

Find out more.

One Mindful Breath looks great … but where’s the catch?

Ramsey Margolis reflects on the challenge of engaging in the secular dharma as an autonomous practitioner, fully responsible for our actions.

Find out more.

Degrowth and radically engaged Buddhism

Mario Sassi discusses the affinities between a radically engaged Buddhism and degrowth, an alternative economic and political philosophy.

Find out more.


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.

SBN's monthly 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.

Sunday meditation group - Meets every Sunday at 11 am US Eastern Time on Zoom. After brief meditation instructions, we meditate silently for 30 minutes, followed by a period of sharing our experiences with each other.

SBN reading group - Meets the first Thursday of each month on Zoom. 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.

Exploring aging from a secular Buddhist perspective - Meets the second and last Monday of each month on Zoom. The group shares experiences of aging and how we can use our practice to respond skillfully to the process of aging.

Secular Dharma and Political Activism  - Meets the first Friday of every month on Zoom. 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 and political movements. 

Secular Buddhist Zen Pub - Meets every Saturday, 11 am US Eastern Time on Zoom. A weekly drop-in which will reward participants with dharma insights and practical applications (including friendships). 

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.

Natural Awareness and Wisdom: Exploring Mindfulness in Nature - 10 June to 17 June (in person retreat)

Led by Dave Smith, retreat participants will explore the Four Foundations of Mindfulness with an emphasis on developing continuity of wise awareness as taught by Burmese master Sayadaw U Tejaniya. Instructions will emphasize the Buddha’s teachings on view, attitude and qualities of mind that support a relaxed and alert awareness throughout all activities.The retreat will be conducted in noble silence and will follow an open schedule that includes guided practice sessions, dharma talks and teacher meetings. Students will enjoy the opportunity to follow their own rhythm of practice, supported by the flow of nature, and learning to trust their own natural capacity for awareness and wisdom in every moment, whether in retreat or in daily life. This retreat is suitable for both beginning and  experienced meditators. For more information, click here.


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