Welcome to our September 2024 newsletter.
This month we feature new articles by Petra Hunsche, Ira Rifkin, Carmel Shalev, and Harry Somaraju. We also highlight upcoming offerings from the Secular Buddhist Network.
Meditation and the process of creation
Petra Hunsche explores the relationship between core Buddhist ideas, meditation, and the creative process. Among the many benefits of meditation, a meditation practice enhances creativity by keeping us grounded and preventing us from getting lost in the narrow depths of an ego trip.
Compassion and wisdom in times of division
Carmel Shalev offers her reflections on how to cultivate compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom in times of intense change, divisions, and uncertainty.
Last call to register for SBN's online course
SBN's free online course, Exploring a Secular Dharma, will run from 16 September to 25 November 2024. The course explores the key ideas and practices of secular Buddhism, an important trend that has emerged in Buddhism in recent years. Click here to sign up for the course.
A review of Helen Tworkov's new memoir, Lotus Girl
Ira Rifkin reviews Helen Tworkov's new memoir. Lotus Girl: My Life at the Crossroads of Buddhism and America. Tworkov was one of the founders of Tricycle magazine.
SBN's Half-day Meditation Retreat
SBN will be offering a half-day, online retreat on 15 September, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm US Eastern Time. The retreat will consist of three connected meditations - beginning with breath and body, followed by feeling tones (vedana), to a meditation on mind - to encourage continuity of practice. The retreatants will be encouraged to spend this time in noble silence until the end of the meditation periods, when we will discuss our experiences together. Click here to register for the retreat.
Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days: A New Book
Harry Somaraju's new book, Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days, provides a comprehensive guide aimed at transforming stress, anxiety, and anger into sustainable happiness. Secular Buddhism is one of the key components of the philosophy which underlies his approach.
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.
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