Discussion Group Meetings – 2025
April 17, 2025
29 participants from five countries participated: the UK, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada, and the USA.
Instead of our usual format involving breakout sessions with our four subgroups, we discussed the notion of compassion. In breakout sessions and in a whole group discussion, the following key questions were explored:
- How far can compassion be extended, particularly with respect to individuals who do great harm to individuals and to society?
- What is the difference between what one Buddhist teacher called "idiot compassion" and "wide compassion"?
- What are the main obstacles to compassion on an individual level and in political engagement?
- What are the qualities and virtues which allow us to sustain compassion?
- What is the relationship between compassion and anger?
- How does gratitude and self-care support wise, discerning compassion?
March 20, 2025
28 participants from five countries participated: the UK, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada, and the USA.
Here are the key points of the discussions in the four breakout groups:
Secular Buddhism Meets Western Psychology – The group discussed an article from Lion's Roar magazine on the relationship between western psychology and Buddhism. The group agreed that both perspectives need to be incorporated into our path of transformation - neither one is sufficient on its own. In addition, the group explored how the connection between the individual and the community is understood in western psychology and Buddhism.
The Open Investigation of Secular Buddhism – This group did not meet at the March 20 meeting.
Political Action and Secular, Socially Engaged Buddhism – The group focused on the issue of social compassion based on metta, or loving friendliness. The group explored what, if any, are the limits to expressing metta in the context of relating to the harms done by political leaders. Finally, the group discussed what are the uniquely "Buddhist" forms of social and political engagement.
Exploring Key Concepts in Secular Buddhism – The group explored the notion of dependent origination, based on a course on that topic by Stephen Batchelor and other teachers from Bodhi College. One key issue is how, in the web of interlinked causes and conditions, we have the ability to act with "free will" to make changes.
February 20, 2025
25 participants from five countries participated: the UK, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada, and the USA.
Here are the key points of the discussions in the four breakout groups:
Secular Buddhism Meets Western Psychology – The group discussed the issue of powerlessness, particularly in the context of today's troubled times. What is the relationship of powerlessness and acceptance? How does powerlessness affect our ability to live a life infused with meaning?
The Open Investigation of Secular Buddhism – The group had a lively discussion on a new book by Byung-Chul Han, Psychopolitics. Han argues that post-industrial capitalism is a regime of technological domination that uses the productive force of the psyche to reinforce the hegemony of capitalism.
Political Action and Secular, Socially Engaged Buddhism – The group focused on appropriate forms of action in response to the Trump administration's assault on working people, LGBTQ individuals, and democratic norms. What does Buddhism offer in this regard? How do we balance our meditation practice with activism?
Exploring Key Concepts in Secular Buddhism – The group explored different aspects of the key Buddhist notion of compassion, including extreme forms of compassion. They discussed the need to avoid being overwhelmed and "numbing out" in this context.
January 16, 2025
30 participants from five countries participated: the UK, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada, and the USA.
Instead of our usual format involving breakout sessions with our four subgroups, for our first meeting of 2025, we discussed the notion of "wise hope" and its role in our practice. In breakout sessions and in a whole group discussion, the following key points were identified:
- "Wise hope" is based on confidence in the value of our practice for ourselves and others but avoids expectations of specific outcomes.
- We need to develop the capacity to live with uncertainty and the knowledge of constant change.
- We need to avoid the compulsion to act based on clinging.
- Recognizing the structural sources of suffering is essential to wise hope.
- "Hope is a passion for the possible." - Kierkegaard
- Is there a role for "wise hopelessness"?
Click here for summaries of the discussion group meetings in 2024.
Click here for summaries of the discussion group meetings in 2023.
Click here for summaries of the discussion group meetings in 2022.
Click here for summaries of the discussion group meetings in 2021.
