The Secular Buddhist Podcast
Episode 27 :: Dr. Linda Elder :: Critical Thinking
Today we speak with Dr. Linda Elder about Critical Thinking, what it really is, and how to develop it. In meditation, we take an intimate look at what’s going on in our minds, moment by moment. Sometimes the attention is wonderfully on the breath, sometimes on the pain in our leg, and sometimes we’re just…
Read MoreEpisode 26 :: Earl Frank Rectanus :: Secular Buddhist Groups
Earl Frank Rectanus Frequent contributor to the Facebook Fan Page for The Secular Buddhist podcast, Earl Frank Rectanus shares his experiences in starting one of the first secular Buddhist groups. Early Buddhism calls it, “The Triple Gem”. Buddha, the example we have, demonstrating how this practice should be part of one’s life. Dhamma, the teaching…
Read MoreEpisode 25 :: Edith Haenel :: Phenomenology in Social Work
Edith Haenel speaks with us about the Upper Midwest Summer Institute of Buddhist Studies, and bringing her practice to others in her role as a social worker. Okay, show of hands — how many of us have ever said something like, “I’m so mad right now!” The fact is, most of us were probably raised…
Read MoreEpisode 24 :: Stephen Batchelor :: Secular Buddhism Arising
Today we speak with the author, teacher, and Atheist Buddhist, Stephen Batchelor.
When ancient religion encounters a new culture, there can be radical change in one, the other, or both — rarely do religion and culture simply part ways. Modern culture is no different. Though we may not be any more aware of it as the fish is aware of the ocean in which it swims, as human beings we are inextricably linked to the culture in which we live.
Read MoreEpisode 23 :: Katherine MacLean :: Meditation Effects on Concentration
There are a lot of scientific studies on the effects of meditation. Today we speak with Katherine MacLean about one of the good ones — and why it’s good.
Read MoreEpisode 22 :: Losing My Religion :: Coming Out As An Atheist
Bug Girl Panel discussion on coming out to one’s family and friends as an atheist. We talk with panelists PZ Myers, Bug Girl, Jennifer Ouellette, Lyra Lynx, Maria Walters, Jen Mana, Ted Meissner, Debbie Goddard, Carrie Iwan, and Dave Walbridge. Religious tolerance is a very different thing from acceptance. Sometimes we’re able to come out…
Read MoreEpisode 21 :: Rita Gross :: Roles of Women in Buddhism
Rita Gross Although early Buddhism certainly acknowledges the equality of women in ability to attain liberation, and even went so far as to start an ordination for women as monastics, the actual equality of women is, in practice, something which has suffered from cultural biases and age-old views. Nuns, even those with tremendous experience and…
Read MoreEpisode 20 :: Secular Coalition for America :: Part Two
Sean Faircloth Today we’ll conclude our interview with Sean, started last week. Quotes “… the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion…” — Treaty of Tripoli “Our team, if you will, has I think a very enlightened world view to present, but we’re not presenting…
Read MoreEpisode 19 :: Secular Coalition for America :: Part One
Sean Faircloth Hi, everyone. I hope you’re having a good holiday weekend, if you’re in the states. And, I just realized through happy accident, today’s episode is about the very independence we’re celebrating. See what happens when I get a whole four hoursof sleep! As Buddhists, part of our practice is seeing things as they…
Read MoreEpisode 18 :: Interreligious Symposium :: Part Two
Rodrigo Rodriguez Hi, everyone. Glad to have you back, and welcome, new listeners! Before we get to the regularly scheduled episode, I wanted to extend a special thanks to Rodrigo Rodriguez, who has very generously allowed me to use several works from his not-yet-released CD, Shakuhachi Meditations, which should be in stores soon. In the…
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