Welcome to our July 2025 newsletter.
This month we feature articles by Linda Blanchard, Winton Higgins, Ira Rifkin, and Petero Wamala, as well as Ted Meissner's 2019 interview with Oren Jay Sofer about his book, Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication.
The Woman Who Hated Temples but Loved the Silence
Petero Wamala offers a story about love, mindful presence, and kindness whose moral is: You do not need someone to walk your path. Sometimes, it is enough if they walk beside you—because they see it makes you gentle, steady, and kind.
Grieving the Eclipse of Western Ethics
In a recent dharma talk Winton Higgins discusses the contradiction between western ethical ideals which embrace our common humanity and the violence, inequality, and cruelty so prevalent in western societies.
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 Oren Jay Sofer on his book, Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication, originally aired on October 11, 2019.
Oren Jay Sofer teaches meditation and communication internationally and is known for his accessible and clear voice. His teachings integrate classical Buddhist training with modern disciplines of Nonviolent Communication and Somatics.
Buddhist Intolerance: Bhutan’s Persecution of its Hindu Minority Exacerbated by Trump
A recent article from Religion News Service highlights the Bhutanese Buddhist majority’s mistreatment of its Hindu minority and how the Trump administration’s harsh policies toward refugees and immigrants have complicated the matter for Bhutanese Hindus.
The Buddha Comments on Politics
Linda Blanchard argues that the Buddha's key concept of dependent arising reveals how our tendency toward self-making is impacted by socially constructed beliefs which underpin political views.
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 Discussion 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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