Secular Buddhism 51 - "Secular Buddhism" - A discussion with Stephen Batchelor
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Sep 14, 2017 In this podcast, host interviews Stephen Batchelor, a secular Buddhist teacher. They discuss the evolution of teachings in religious traditions, the ongoing dialogue and evolution of Buddhism, the role of mythic material in Buddhism, unnecessary suffering caused by certain Buddhist traditions, breaking down reactive responses, and the concept of secular Buddhism and the importance of being open-minded.
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Four Noble Truths as Tasks
- Stephen Batchelor's books document his evolving understanding of Buddhist concepts.
- His rethinking of the Four Noble Truths as tasks, not truths, is central to his work.
Buddhism 1.0 vs. 2.0
- Both traditional Buddhism (1.0) and Secular Buddhism (2.0) are valid operating systems.
- They cater to different needs and don't necessarily compete, like Mac vs. PC.
Mara: The Demonic
- Batchelor's book, "Living with the Devil," explores the mythic figure of Mara.
- Mara represents the demonic and offers a potent lens for understanding inner conflict, even in a secular context.