Welcome to our May 2025 newsletter.
This month we feature: articles by Tom Cummings, Roy Hammond, Kirk Mason, and Linda Modaro/Nelly Kaufer; Ted Meissner's interview with David Loy about his book, Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis; an upcoming SBN online meditation retreat; and the recent activities of the Buddhist Coalition for Democracy.
B.R. Ambedkar and Secular Buddhism
Kirk Mason discusses how B.R. Ambedkar's approach to Buddhism parallels Stephen Batchelor's emphasis on the pragmatic and ethical dimensions of Gotama's teachings.
Engaged Buddhism, Modern Psychology, and Our Sense of Self
Roy Hammond analyzes the notion of self through the frameworks of modern psychology - which distinguishes healthy and unhealthy views of the self - and engaged Buddhism.
Ted Meissner's The Secular Buddhist Podcast
Over fifteen years and 337 episodes, Ted Meissner's Secular Buddhist podcast provided those interested in the secular dharma with fascinating and insightful interviews with meditation teachers and writers. This month we feature Ted's interview with David Loy on Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis, originally aired on May 26, 2019.
David Loy is a professor, writer, and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Zen tradition of Japanese Zen Buddhism. His articles appear regularly in the pages of major journals such as Tikkun and Buddhist magazines including Tricycle, Lion’s Roar, and Buddhadharma, as well as in a variety of scholarly journals.
The Two Tasks, Updated for the New Era
Tom Cummings discusses two key tasks in the current period: to stand courageously and nonviolently against the Trump administration's policies and to practice skillful speech in talking to Trump supporters.
BCD Holds General Membership Meeting
The Buddhist Coalition for Democracy (BCD) held a general meeting on April 23rd to discuss recent anti-Trump administration protests that BCD members have participated in and to establish communication, outreach, and committees. We encourage you to learn more about the BCD and/or to become active in the coalition's committees.
A Fresh Take on Secular Dharma
Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer discuss how Reflective Meditation is a secular practice; it's about learning from life rather than about transcending it. They were recently interviewed by Dave Smith, of the Secular Dharma Foundation, regarding their approach.
SBN Online Retreat - June 1, 2025
SBN is offering a half-day online retreat on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 am to 3 pm, US Eastern Time. The retreat will be facilitated by Janet Rechtman, Marc Symons, and Sharon Tobias.
Sati Center Secular Dharma Course
In April, The Sati Center for Buddhist Studies organized an online course on Secular Dharma: a Practice of Care and Awakening for our Times. The course, taught by Martine Batchelor and Bernat Font, explored questions relating to the task of adapting the dharma to the circumstances of our time and comprised two sessions. Each session consisted of short talks by Martine and Bernat, a guided meditation and time for discussion with participants.
Martine Batchelor is the author of numerous books, including Meditation for Life and most recently What is This? (co-authored with Stephen Batchelor). Bernat Font has a PhD in Buddhist Studies and founded the Dharma organization ‘Espai Sati’ in Barcelona.
Video recordings of the sessions can be found at: https://sati.audiodharma.org/talks/22720 and https://sati.audiodharma.org/talks/22773.
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. Click here.
SBN's Monthly Ddiscussion Group - Meets the third Thursday of each month on Zoom. Click here.
Sunday Morning Meditation Group - Meets every Sunday at 11 am US Eastern Time on Zoom. Click here.
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). Click here.
SBN Reading Groups- SBN sponsors two reading groups. Book, article, video and podcast selections for both groups focus on topics related to secular Buddhism. Click here.
Exploring Aging from a Secular Buddhist Perspective- Meets the second and last Monday of each month on Zoom. Click here.
Secular Dharma and Political Activism - Meets the first Friday of every month on Zoom. Click here.
Secular Buddhist Zen Pub - Meets every Saturday, 11 am US Eastern Time on Zoom. Click here.
SBN online course on Exploring a Secular Dharma- Click here to 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. Click here.
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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