Towards a Secular Buddhism

Stephen & Martine Batchelor
TOWARDS A SECULAR BUDDHISM

What is distinctive about the Buddha’s teaching that sets it apart from the mainstream Indian religious traditions of his day?

Details: Through exploring this question, we will try and recover the radical, non-mystical and empirical core of Siddhattha Gotama’s vision. We will present the Buddha’s teachings on “contingency,” “mindfulness,” “the four noble truths” and “self-reliance” as the foundation for our enquiry. By discarding metaphysical beliefs (e.g. in God, Absolute Truth, or Unconditioned Consciousness), we will envisage a thoroughly secular Buddhism, which is focused entirely on responding to the suffering of this world. While Pali texts from the early Buddhist scriptures will form the basis of our enquiry, we will interpret them in ways that illuminate their contemporary relevance. Our time during this workshop will be divided between talks, discussion and meditation.

Date: June 16-June 18, 2011

Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Cost: $275 + HST / $95 + HST for a single day

Register at www.centreofgravity.org

ABOUT MARTINE BATCHELOR

Martine Batchelor lived in Korea as a Zen nun under the guidance of Master Kusan for ten years. She is the author of Meditation for Life, The Path of Compassion, Women in Korean Zen and Let Go: A Buddhist Guide to Breaking Free of Habits. She is a member of the Gaia House Teacher Council. She teaches meditation retreats worldwide and lives in France. Her latest work is the forthcoming The Spirit of the Buddha.

ABOUT STEPHEN BATCHELOR

Stephen Batchelor was a Buddhist monk in the Tibetan and Zen traditions for ten years. Known for his agnostic and secular approach to the Buddhadharma, he has authored several books, including the bestselling Buddhism Without Beliefs. His latest book is Confession of a Buddhist Atheist. He lives in France with his wife Martine and teaches seminars and leads meditation retreats worldwide.