Secular Buddhism

I’m about 95% Christian these days: I used to be an evangelical missionary and pastor, now I’m basically Episcopalian; I still try to believe, but I know there’s more out there than fits in the Bible. As a kid, I had a committed Buddhist (NSA) grandmother on one side, a Primitive Baptist (aka, hardshell or foot washing) grandmother on the other. Basically, I’m ripe for a podcast like this – one that offers wisdom from a tradition that I respect and am at least somewhat familiar with, but that allows and even encourages me to maintain the faith I’m committed to while exploring other teachings and ways of navigating life. The simple, approachable, and relatable style and content of Secular Buddhism is a great fit. Thanks for making this available 🙏🏻

I have to be honest, I’m not sure if I’m a secular Buddhist. I attend a Chan Buddhist group here in Taiwan. Many around me probably do have some fairly literal spiritual beliefs (particularly the older and less educated crowd, though by no means exclusively). Yet Buddhism is full of skillful means of conveying its ethical and spiritual insights, and I find taking seriously, if not literally, its notions of rebirth, spiritual realms, etc., transforms my relationship with nature and others. It provides an imaginative (and, in some sense, true) framework for thinking about how my actions live on, the connection between all living beings, and so on. I bow and prostrate myself before bodhisattvas. I even pray. Is this secular? Perhaps, perhaps not. If asked, I might say it’s because I honor what these figures and teachings represent, and prayer and prostrations are means of orienting myself toward the Dharma. The question of secular/not-secular simply doesn’t arise in my practice that often. All this is a long-winded way of saying that I’m glad this exists for others who need it and for myself. It feels neither more nor less appropriate than more “spiritualized” or mythic Buddhist content out there, but I appreciate the multiple means we all have of arriving at the same destination. Namo Guanshiyin Pusa.

I am finishing up a master’s degree and working full time. This show has helped me to stay sane. I love sharing it with my children and having discussions about what is important in life.

I found this podcast at a perfect time when my mother passed away and I was dealing with building a relationship with death. I was also going through a divorce at the same time, and listening to each episode and meditating helped me let go of anger. I plan on listening to the episodes from the beginning again.