Stephen & Martine Batchelor: Towards Secular Buddhism

http://batchelorworkshop.eventbrite.com/

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

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.

"A compassionate heart still feels anger, greed, jealousy, and other such emotions. But it accepts them for what they are with equanimity, and cultivates the strength of mind to let them arise and pass without identifying with or acting upon them." -- Stephen Batchelor, Buddhism Without Beliefs

"The point is not to abandon all institutions and dogmas but to find a way to live with them more ironically, to appreciate them for what they are -- the play of the human mind in its endless quest for connection and meaning -- rather than timeless entities that have to be ruthlessly defended or forcibly imposed." -- Stephen Batchelor, Confession of a Buddhist Atheist

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.

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. (stephenbatchelor.org)

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