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November 2021 to November 2022
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2 November 2021 to 9 November 2022 (in-person)
Secular Dharma: An Extended Programme of Study, Practice and Community – Bodhi College
taught by Martine Batchelor and Stephen Batchelor
This course takes a secular rather than a religious approach to the teachings of the Buddha. In it, we will emphasize the humanity of Gotama and the practical applications of his teaching in this world, and encourage each student to find his or her own way of practice within the secular/religious spectrum of their own lives.
For more information, click here.
March 2022
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10 March to 15 March
Archetypes as Inspiration: Retreat at Tirylan House, South Wales
led by Robert M. Ellis
This retreat introduces the use of Jungian archetypes as a way of understanding how we can be inspired by the symbols of Buddhism and other religions, without ‘beliefs’ about them. It is timed to coincide with the publication of Robert’s new book, ‘Archetypes in Religion and Beyond: A Practical Theory of Integration and Inspiration’, published by Equinox: the central idea of which is that archetypal symbols operate practically as powerful prompts to connect with open potential and long-term intentions. The retreat takes place at Tirylan House, a new small retreat centre on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
For more information, click here.
March 2022 to May 2022
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2 March to 31 May (Online)
Secular Buddhist Network’s course on Exploring a secular dharma
taught by Ciara Cullen, Lorna Edwards and Mike Slott
In this online course we will explore the key ideas and practices of secular Buddhism, an important trend which has emerged in western Buddhism in recent years. We will be using as primary sources for this course Stephen Batchelor’s book, After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age, and After Buddhism: A Workbook, written by Winton Higgins, and based on a series of dharma talks he gave on Batchelor’s book in Sydney, Australia.
The course will provide both secular Buddhists and those curious about secular Buddhism the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of a secular approach to the dharma. In this course we will:
- Identify and explain the key concepts of secular Buddhism
- Contrast secular Buddhism with traditional/institutional forms of Buddhism
- Sketch a vision of secular Buddhist practice for individuals and communities
For more information, click here.
April 2022
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14 April to 19 April
Easter Retreat: The Christian Middle Way: Retreat at Tirylan House, South Wales
led by Robert M. Ellis
This retreat is intended for anyone with a Christian background or culture looking for helpful ways to interpret Christianity in relation to the Middle Way, without accepting dogmatic or supernatural beliefs, but engaging positively with the Christian tradition as a source of inspiration for practice. We will engage experimentally with the Easter story in whatever way works meaningfully for participants, making no traditional assumptions about the symbols used and what they must mean. Robert M. Ellis will be drawing on his 2018 book ‘The Christian Middle Way’ to suggest non-dogmatic ways forward in agnostic interpretation.
For more information, click here.
May 2022
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11 May to 18 May
Introductory Critical Thinking Course: Retreat at Tirylan House, South Wales
led by Robert M. Ellis
This week-long retreat is intended for adults who would like to develop their critical thinking skills in a context that fully acknowledges the relation of critical thinking to our body, emotions and imagination. Critical thinking, understood broadly, is the skill of making reflective, thoughtful judgements – not jumping to hasty conclusions on the basis of bias or unexamined assumption. Robert M. Ellis is an experienced teacher and examiner of Critical Thinking at A Level, who sees critical thinking practice as an important component of any wider integrative or spiritual practice.
For more information, click here.