Secular Buddhism What is it? How is it different?

“The cultivation of loving-kindness and compassion is not intrinsically a religious endeavor. It has really a much more general pertinence and general applicability. You don’t have to be religious or buy into a religious doctrine to do it. This is why I think it is important to develop techniques that are secular and not simply religious in orientation.” – The Dalai Lama

Secular Buddhism: A Definition Secular Buddhism is not a religion or a form of religious practice. It is referred to only as a practice or a path. It accepts all the teachings of The Buddha as passed down through history except for any form of theism, reincarnation or karma beyond this life. Secular Buddhism is not a religion or a form of religious practice. It is referred to only as a practice or a path. It accepts all the teachings of The Buddha as passed down through history except for any form of theism, reincarnation or karma beyond this life.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition It is atheistic and devoid of spirituality. There are no deities other than those metaphorical, no heaven or hell realms, no soul and no afterlife. It does not deny however that there are forces, realities and forms of existence possible beyond those we can currently comprehend or explain.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition There are no supernatural powers expected or sought through its practice.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition It is a unique form of Buddhism in that there is no consideration of reincarnation or karma. It reinterprets these as processes which take place within a single lifetime. Karma is understood to mean that every thought or act will leave an impression on our mind or to some degree reduce a previously made impression. Reincarnation is a constant process during our lifetime.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition Secular Buddhism recognizes all Buddhist writings, from the Pali Cannon to contemporary works, save those based on concepts of theism and rebirth.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition The core forms of practice are the study and teaching of essential Buddhist concepts, including meditation. Prostrations, chanting, koans and other practices based on specific lineages or cultures are not incorporated.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition Secular Buddhism uses exclusively the language of the native population including terms that have been adopted into common usage such as karma, nirvana or Namaste.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition Secular Buddhism recognizes no authority outside one’s self. There is no lineage, no priesthood, no titles. Nor is there any recognition of external authority be it cultural, traditional, academic or otherwise. Respect yes, but not authority.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition There are no special forms of dress or rituals.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition Also unique to Secular Buddhism, yet in keeping with The Buddha’s teaching, is an emphasis on social time, encouraging and facilitating connection with others who seek freedom from suffering.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition Secular Buddhism does not speculate beyond the bounds of The Buddha’s teaching. Although other teachers provide welcome and complimentary perspectives, and it is encouraged they be studied with respect and sincere interest, Secular Buddhism maintains its focus on the Buddha’s teaching of suffering and the end of suffering.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition Secular Buddhism is a path of intense self- effort. No one and no thing can intercede on one’s behalf. Progress is entirely dependent on one’s own diligence and practice.

Secular Buddhism: A Definition  It is therapeutic: it is directed specifically at the lessening of human suffering.  It is psychological: its focus is only on the human condition.  It is scientific: it is based solely on the natural laws of cause and effect.  It is pragmatic: it is defined by its usefulness alone.  It is empirical: direct personal experience and validation are the only authority.

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