Secular Buddhism

Exploring the concept of truth as relative to space and time, highlighting the impermanence of life and reality. Reflecting on promises and commitments in a constantly changing world. Embracing the evolution of truth through the lens of time and encouraging a flexible perspective on life and impermanence.

Exploring the complexities of faith and doubt, shedding fixed beliefs for true understanding, embracing doubt and beginner's mind for growth, life through the lens of Tetris and faith, interplay of faith and doubt for new insights

This week I'm traveling for work so I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the journey of life. Every moment is a new experience we've never had. Each moment is unique and that's what makes it all so beautiful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's commonly said that Buddhism is a path of liberation...but what does that really mean? In this episode, I will discuss the concept of freedom and truth. I will also discuss how can we extend freedom to ourselves and to others. If you are interested in attending any retreats or workshops, please visit http://secularbuddhism.com/retreats/ to express your interest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I will explore the idea of learning to meditate by not meditating. I share the poem "Dust if You Must" by Rose Milligan that went viral on the Secular Buddhism. It was viewed by over 10 million people in just a matter of days. I also discuss the idea of being vs doing. I hope you enjoy this episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I will discuss one of the Buddha’s most famous teachings: The Parable of the Raft. The general concept to be learned by this parable is the importance of letting go of the things that we no longer need on our journey. It would be wise to take a moment to reflect on what rafts we continue to cling to even after they are no longer necessary for us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be selfless? In Gyomay Kubose's essay on selflessness he mentions that "Buddhism is the way of selflessness", but what does that really mean? In this episode, I will explore the topic of selflessness and how our sense of self is always relative. Understanding relative existence and interdependence is the key to living life in a state of selflessness. When you put your whole life into something...that is the essense of being selfless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'll discuss how our evolutionary hardwiring causes us to chase after carrots and avoid getting hit with sticks. This constant seeking and avoiding can make it difficult to live authentic lives. We tend to focus on showing a good front and hiding any aspect of ourselves that we deem unworthy. The Japanese haiku "showing front, showing back, maple leaves fall" teaches us to be vulnerable and authentic. I hope you enjoy this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I will explore the typical problems that people encounter when first learning or hearing about Buddhist terminology and symbols. Buddhism emphasizes truth rather than God, meditation rather than prayer, enlightenment rather than salvation, and universal life rather than individual soul. But for many secular minded people, the terminology and the symbols encountered when learning about Buddhism can still be misunderstood. This episode aims at clarifying the meaning behind the terminology and the symbols that are so common in Buddhism. The book I reference in this podcast is called "American Buddhism" by Gyomay M. Kubose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores the difference between Acceptance vs Resignation. A common misconception about Buddhist thought is the idea that acceptance means we just resign to what is and we don't/can't do anything about it. Buddhism does not encourage resignation, in fact, Resignation is not at all in line with Buddhist teachings. This discussion will clarify the difference between acceptance and resignation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.