Welcome to our December 2024 newsletter.
This month we feature new articles by Sarah Barker, Tom Cummings, and Norma Wong. We also highlight John Danvers' podcast Dharma Roads and a conversation between Winton Higgins and Mike Slott on Mike's new book, Mindful Solidarity.
Exploring mindfulness in new spaces: A Secular Buddhist’s perspective
Sarah Barker explores the ways in which virtual reality (VR) spaces can be used to cultivate mindfulness meditation practices.
Norma Wong’s new book: When No Thing Works
Norma Wong's new book, When No Things Work, provides spiritual lessons based on Zen and indigenous perspectives for embracing collective care and responsibly meeting uncertain futures.
John Danvers’ Dharma Roads Podcast
Since 2022, John Danvers' podcast Dharma Roads has explored in 32 episodes the wisdom and meditation methods of Zen, Buddhism and other sceptical philosophers, writers and poets.
Post-election Meeting of SBN Community Members
On November 14, SBN community members participated in a Zoom meeting to discuss the U.S. election and how we, as secular dharma practitioners, can respond.
A conversation between Mike Slott and Winton Higgins on ‘Mindful Solidarity’
In a book launch event sponsored by the Secular Buddhist Network and Tuwhiri, a secular Buddhist publishing imprint, Mike Slott and Winton Higgins discussed Mike's new book, Mindful Solidarity: A Secular Buddhist Democratic Socialist Dialogue.
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 morning 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.
Sunday evening Practice Circle - A long-time offering of the Secular Buddhist Association, meets the 2nd and 4th Sunday every month, 8:00 p.m. Central Time (9:00 p.m. Eastern).Sunday. Silent meditation guided by a facilitator followed by a period of discussion.
SBN reading groups - SBN sponsors two reading groups. Book, article, video and podcast selections for both groups focus on topics related to secular Buddhism and the aim of the discussion is to explore the topics while seeking to apply them meaningfully to our daily lives.
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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