I'm secular but I do find some of the traditional aspects helpful. The stories are fun too. Did the Buddha literally speak elephant? Probably not. Can I interpret that story as a fun parable about conflict being a communication issue and remembering to meet people at their level rather than resorting immediately to harsh language or violence? yes

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

I agree completely! We can look at stories historically and we can also look at them for inspiration and guidance. Even if a story may not be particularly historical it can nevertheless be meaningful to us on other levels.

For me Secular Buddhism provides a relatable frame of reference into a practical moral framework. As a skeptic am turned off by rituals or unproven beliefs. What I admire of Gautama, is that he seemed to remain objectively critical, and welcomed interrogation, dialogue and consideration. Thank you Doug.🙏🏼

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome El Gato. Thanks for watching and for your comments! 🙏

@garychap8384

4 жыл бұрын

Hola El Gato, What turned me away from Buddhism for so long was all the talk of frequencies, vibrations, chakras and reincarnation. I found it all so inaccessible. Back when I first started looking into Buddhism I had a lot of respect for the traditional practitioners but I didn't know then that secular buddhism was even 'a thing' Learning that there was a secular approach has really opened me up to Buddhist practice which had always, otherwise, made a lot of sense to me. Much of the outward practice was largely what I already practiced as a secular humanist - but once I divested the inner practice of its associated mysticism and lore I began to really find it useful... not only to me, but in assisting those around me. Doug has had a large part in fully awakening me to Buddhism as a viable option, as much as did the wonderful teachings of Alan Watts.

@momomeshtv7318

4 жыл бұрын

Well said, welcoming "interrogation, dialogue and consideration" by all is rare in religion.

@AwakenZen

2 ай бұрын

Why not become stoic?

my Buddha statue came to me as a gift from my raised catholic mom. :) I love it.it serves as a reminder to be good, loving and compassionate. and he looks cool! :)

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

Great A Mc! Yes, I have a few small statues as well and always enjoy looking at them. 🙂

@user-ht2ip2pe6d

Жыл бұрын

Saadhu! Rejoicing in all meritorious deeds!✨🕊️🎍

For almost 20 years I've thought of myself as an 'agnostic buddhist'. This is my first encounter of the term secular buddhist & it's like a lightbulb moment! I've always found the philosophy & mental practise & moral framework to be very accessible for me, and the religious, ritualistic or mystical/supernatural elements to not be so. I always worried that I was doing it 'wrong' or being disrespectful if I wanted to prsctise & study in a secular way. It's very moving to learn that this approach is valid & recognised. Thank you.

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, Sherri! Yes, a secular approach will seem "wrong" to those of a more traditional understanding, but that's OK! It's not right for everyone, but for many of us it's the proper path to a skillful this-life practice.

I our sangha we bowed to a Buddha statue for years, at he end of each meeting. Now we bow to a wonderflul ficus flant, because with its freshness an its beauty it is a great master for us.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

That's good Paolo. I don't think it matters to what you bow so much as that you feel right doing so, that it can engage a feeling of gratitude for example.

@BeLovingAwarenessNow

2 жыл бұрын

I love that, Paolo. Thank you for sharing.

This is awesome. I love Buddhism and learning about all aspects of it. I realized that I was more called to the mental practices that I can do in this moment (how I can enlighten myself through the teachings in my reality now), and how to heal through the practices without some traditional parts. This was very helpful as I learned there to be Secular Buddhism. I am a beginner and there is still so much to learn about Buddhism! Thanks💙

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure! 🙏😊

Hi Guys! It's just wonderful to watch the videos on this channel and to read the comment sections and know how many positive people here are with their lovely mindsets! I just wanted to say a big thank you and I'm so happy that I can learn about Buddhism and Buddhist practices! Thank you very-very much, dear Doug for your amazing work! Please, keep up and be our "easy way to understand" Buddhism! Best regards! 😊🙏

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ervin, very kind of you to say! Yes, I hope you'll continue learning and practicing. Be well! 🙏

im a secular spiritual person and i meditate alot . I have found wisdom out of buddhism taoism and advaita in a secular way and i think the supernatural stuff is not needed for one to be spiritual and practice meditation And so far ive developed alot and became highly compassionate cheerful and found alot of meaning in my life just by being a meditator . So yeah secular buddhism or spirituality thats great and immensly helpful

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it Marwan, thanks for the info!

@user-ht2ip2pe6d

Жыл бұрын

Saadhu! Rejoicing for being able to develop in meditation and becoming highly compassionate...✨🕊️🎍

Praise the Universe for giving us Doug. May all beings be happy.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

😄

@sozonewa385

3 жыл бұрын

Monks are less connected to social media as a teacher.. I truly appreciate your efforts to make the world a better place...

With Love...Kindness...Compassion...and Joy as pillars of ANY Path...is a GREAT start.

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Yes that's right Uli, thanks!

TQ Doug for making the video and welcoming our comments. Knowing that the way I've been practicing is called "secular approach" as you have put it make me feel comfort about my practice. I think Buddhism is about mind transformation towards wholesome, shall there be future good rebirth it shall come naturally, as bonus, if we practice it "secularly" well according to the Paths. I really can resonate so much with the saying "awakening is here and now". I came across some practitioners who practice prostration, visualization of deity, white light thingy, bad karma can be purified if we do this and that, long life pills, who believe some Buddha can heal or aspiring a better rebirth ... these are the practices that I couldn't not resonate with. Having said that, no matter how "secular" I am, I will not hesitate to bow my head down to the ground to any revered monk/nun who practice well, and I will continue to respect those who practice in traditional approaches...

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a good approach Sam! I think it also helps to keep in mind that each of us approach life and the dharma differently and so what resonates with you and me may not resonate with our neighbor. And that's fine too! Just so long as we're all aiming at kindness.

@user-ht2ip2pe6d

Жыл бұрын

Saadhu! Rejoicing in kindness/ mettaa, Karunaa, muditaa and upekkhaa...✨🕊️🎍

Dear Doug, i found your secular Buddhism based a lot on original teaching of the Buddha and share something in common with Early Buddhism even than many traditional Buddhisms that get evolved a lot into local cultures. On secular Buddhism and secular ethics, i impressed a lot by the policy of King Aśoka who as a Buddhist, but never push it into the people, instead he try to synthesize the Dharma to the action with tolerance and respect for different religious sects as well as kindness to human and all living beings. I think you have learned a lot from him too and it's happened since the very beginning of Buddhism.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for your comment Sarada. Yes indeed, Asoka seems to have been quite an awakened monarch. I have a video on him in case you haven't seen it: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iGhsm5aOl5u_Y8Y.html

I just discovered your channel a few days ago, and I'm devouring the videos. What a great resource! I didn't even know about secular Buddhism, to be honest. I knew there were those who practiced meditation without reference to Buddhism (or any of the dharmic religions), but it was a surprise for me to find out there are those who identify as Buddhists but are also secular. Between the Theravada and Mahayana, I was always drawn more to the Theravada because it seemed to me more practical and less supernatural/esoteric, even though they do believe in kamma, rebirth, etc. But I may need to rethink my orientation. In any event, thanks for all the wonderful content.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome Steven, thanks for watching!

@user-ht2ip2pe6d

Жыл бұрын

Saadhu x3! Lots of thanks to the Theraavaadaa-Dhamma-Vinaya, where The Truth could be found.🙏☀️✨

Thanx for the wonderful videos, Doug. I didn't know the term secular Buddhism till this year, but now i see it is how i feel it. I have been into the yoga practice and philosophy for about 10 years , and also some Vedanta and Buddhism. I see a lot of common things in them as a way to clear the mind from all the conditioning that prevents us from the objective view. The last couple of years i felt that the mysticism is too much, so i took a more scientific approach in learning and practicing, discarding the superstitions and the mystic stuff. This year i have started to do regularly Buddhist meditations - mainly mindfulness on breathing but because of your videos i found Bhikkhu Bodhi and Analayo. They are really great guys, scholars and teachers. Now I do regularly Metta and Satipatthana the way Analayo describes it - and I do feel good changes in my mind :) Thank you very much. Greetings and love!

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Hey excellent El Freegano, very happy to hear about your progress. Thank you for the kind note! 🙏

I read a book called ‘Meeting the Buddhas’ by Vessantara, a Triratna Buddhist order member. It’s very good imo and actually quite beautiful in places. What I took from it personally was that the Buddhist (mostly Tibetan) iconography of different Buddhas bodhisattvas, and other deities could be used in poetic and symbolic ways rather than literally. I am now a secular Buddhist/atheist but I still find the imagery beautiful and inspirational without actually having to believe that the supernatural figures really existed. They seem to me to embody different aspects and aspirations in human beings. They seem also to be a teaching aid in some traditions - depending on the personality or the needs of the practitioner, one of these characters will become a focus for meditation and ethical practice. I don’t do that but I do like meditating by a shrine and have several Buddha statues around- some I bought, others gifts. For me, it’s a lovely reminder of the original teacher and a mark of thanks/respect, not about worshipping or ascribing supernatural powers on anything. And I could do without them! But a small shrine- just some flowers or something else from nature- makes a lovely focus, is a reminder of all that’s truly valuable. Hope this is of interest. Metta to all

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Yes thanks Jane, I agree these symbols and teachings certainly can be a source of inspiration for secular practitioners too.

Thank you, Doug. You have specified the issues very clearly, and set out some paths by which explorers/students of secular buddhism can find their particular resolution for these issues.

@DougsDharma

7 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

Doug, I love your Secular Buddhist videos. Can you please do more?

Thanks Doug. That was very helpful. I have started Vipassana Mindfulness Meditation and it's helping me to reduce my anxiety. Your art of explanation is wonderful.

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you found the video useful! You're very welcome Abid. 🙏

Very instructive. Will you ever do a video on Thich Naht Han and his approach to Buddhism? His form of Vietnamese Buddism seems different and very accesible to become involved with.

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I’d like to because he has a very interesting approach melding Zen with early Buddhism. When I find a good, comprehensive scholarly treatment I will do so.

@livewellbasics

2 жыл бұрын

Second this!

Dear Doug, I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in creating this wonderful videos. I find great confort in looking and medititing near a lovely Buddha illustration I have in my bedroom.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

That’s wonderful Catarina. I hope it continues to give you joy and inspiration! 🙏

@janeeaston3303

3 жыл бұрын

Hear hear! It’s lovely to find such a kind community, especially during Covid. Thanks so much, Doug

Hola my great teacher. Thanks a lot for this wonderful class, for sure I need to study a lot in order to understand step by step. Lots of hugs. Evangelina Cortes.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Buenos días Evangelina y gracias por el mensaje.

Love your channel 🙏

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that, citrixman. 🙏

Thank you, Doug! ❤

@DougsDharma

9 ай бұрын

You are very welcome! 🙏

Great video Doug. I’m new to your channel and I have already benefitted from it. I would ask about what types of meditations make up your day to day practice?

Hi Doug, I'm just starting out on my journey into Secular Buddhism and I am finding these videos incredibly informative so thank you! I think that some "Devotional practices/rituals" may not be widely engaged behaviours among Secular Buddhists due to the similarity to attributing a ritual like that to worshipping a "God-like being" (My main example & comparison being people of a religious nature praying to the god they've put their faith/belief in). But for me I see some of these rituals/practices in Secular Buddhism more as acknowledging and taking a minute to appreciate the knowledge, wisdom and teachings of such an incredible and ancient group of people (Mainly Buddha) and is something that some could possibly find to be a healthy practice. :)

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Right, exactly Jade. There are lots of ways to frame or reframe ritual practices so that they make sense to us today. But it's also OK if we just prefer to leave them aside. It depends on the person and the timing.

Very interesting stuff! I’m curious about secular Buddhism as a philosophy. I like the guidelines provided by the Eightfold Path. Keep up the good work!

@DougsDharma

8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Thanks Doug for this video and all your work. I had the opportunity of doing a Vajrayana tantric practice with Chenrezig (Compassion Buddha) and then Vipassana practice (Four foundations of mindfulness) In the tantric practice I was so focused in the present moment repeating the mantra, visualizing the compassion Buddha and counting the mala that no thoughts of the past or future came into my mind. But that didn’t help me to deal with my fears, anger and dissatisfaction. With Vipassana I could, and that practice was much more secular. For me, it is better to work the causes of my suffering with a secular practice rather than a ritualized practice.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Yes Jorge, each of us has the style that works best for us, and part of a skillful approach to practice is learning which. Although it's also true that we can change over time and prefer certain styles at certain times. Even a ritualized practice can have a role in secularism if it's held in a certain way. (For example as a kind of play with metaphors).

I have been a Buddhist for roughly 20 years. Over the past few years I have evolved into a secular Buddhist. I believe that Nirvana is the awakening to the truths of interbeing, emptiness, and non-self. Karma is the result of an action but doesn't always manifest itself in ways we can follow or understand. When we die we remain part of the greater universe. I have no idea if consciousness survives death. I do not believe in heaven, hell, or ghost realms.

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

🙏😊

I go back and forth about whether there was a historical Buddha who taught a basic and practical eightfold path or whether the Buddha just served effectively as the personification of a school of thought or both. I have my own micro canon that I occasionally add to as I read more suttas. My criteria for acceptance is that the gist of the sutta is very practical, meaningful, and wise as well as coherent and congruent with the rest of my micro canon. I am in search of a better way to live, not ideological purity though I do have a historical interest. I try to carve up the Pali canon into what groups may have contributed what parts. I know I am speculating, but it keeps me reading more and more of the Pali canon. All this said, living the eightfold path is the center of it all.

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

That's right Dread, it's the practice that counts.

Thank you for this video. Very refreshing to find someone who can explain this stuff to the world.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome Hezekiah. Thanks for watching!

Thanks for this introduction. I've been very interested in Buddhism for a long time, particularly where it seems to intersect with Stoicism, and have been practicing meditation for years. Due to what I've read and experienced, I believe Buddhism to be the most sound and practical of all existing religions, but am not especially convinced of any of the supernatural aspects. Now I have a name for these thoughts. Looking forward to finding out more about your work.

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it Tom. Yes secular Buddhism is similar in many ways to the neo-Stoicism of folks like Massimo Pigliucci. I've done videos about Buddhism and Stoicism, for example: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qX5ky7Oifsmciqg.html

A few years ago I started practicing Goenka Vipassana (did some Mantra for a year before). While deepening my practice I got into Buddhism itself. The beliefs of reincarnation and past-lifes made me feel trapped. I'm glad to be back to questioning it more seriously and therefore feel more free. Also I got more skeptical in a healthy way I would say. I don't consider myself a Buddhist. I'm influenced by some Dhamma teachings, but it's not the end for me. There are many things unknown- and I'm somewhat open to consider. But I also feel like it's important to be free of labeling oneself too readily.

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, labels are useful shortcuts, but they can also get in the way. Thanks eqnawr!

@bhalithan

3 жыл бұрын

@@DougsDharma Thank you.

I just wanted to share what I've observed in modern Thai Buddhism. What are you are calling secular Buddhism is mostly categorized by lay and monastic followers in the Theravadan forest tradition which is characterized by minimalist temples emphasis on meditation and textual study. There is little or no clinging to icons and charms. For example, Santi Asoke Buddhists in Thailand is an independent sect, practitioners are vegetarian and advocates permaculture agriculture and self-sustainability. Not to be confused with monk ascetic rishi hybrids who dwell in the forest but focus on animism and spirit worship. "Ritual Buddhism" is very, very much aligned with unregulated capitalism and can be seen in mega temples in Thailand. These are old temples which have expanded due to people donating insane amounts of money to them due to the belief that their karma increases due to the amount donated. Some of these donations have resulted in monks in fact owning luxury cars and tracts of land and real estate. Often the heart of these temples aren't focused on Buddhism but rather a local deity who also occupies the Buddhist temple. There are for instance temples which attract Buddhists obsessed with Nagas who they belief will grant them lotto winnings and of course there is an image of the Buddha there but that image is not the reason why hundreds and thousands of people go to the location. Deities come and go almost like fashion and once in a while a famous astrologer, who would put the 700 club to shame, will go on national TV and urge people to go to make offerings at such and such a temple. These people insist they are Buddhist even after throwing away all rational thought. Many tourists cannot separate between these practices if they spoke to worshipers they would be shocked to learn that people go to the temple not to set aside greed but to go as supplicants asking for wealth. I have read accounts from western Buddhists visiting Thailand and leaving very disappointed. Some would rather pay huge sums of money to go to a "meditation resort" not know that the people who run those places are literally the 1% of that country and would do anything to monetize their "exotic culture". From my perspective, Buddhism can benefit greatly from practitioners in the west who are making a sincere effort in studying the history and text. I appreciate you all contributing to Buddhism.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tiffany, that's very interesting. I did an earlier video on the relation between secular Buddhism and some strains of Buddhism in Thailand: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fmeCk8mDodmdmpc.html 🙏

@eddygan325

3 жыл бұрын

To look for true dhamma practice , recommended to look for Forest monk, international monastery in Thailand, Wat Pah Na Na Chat 🙏🙏🙏

thank you doug

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome Jamie!

This is such a great video. I am only beginning to practice buddism but the traditional way does not align with me currently - secular buddism perfectly explains my mindset!

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it! 😊🙏

Thanks 🙏

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

🙏😊

Thanks!

@DougsDharma

16 күн бұрын

🙏🙏

Thank you for your videos! I would say I practice Theravada Buddhism in a secular way. I do not give much thought to Karma, or reincarnation at all, but I believe in the 4 noble truths and try to follow the 8 fold path, as well as practice mindfulness meditation every day. I do like to keep a few Buddha statues around. They serve as a kind of a reminder to stay present and monitor my thought process. Keep up the great content!

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

That’s great Cody, yes that approach is very similar to my own. Thanks for the comment! 🙏

Interesting. I practice theravada in the traditional way. But I've always wondered what secular buddhism was about. Now I feel like I have a more nuanced understanding of it. I thought it was like a version of buddhism where everything religious and supernatural is discarded. I didn't know there was a whole spectrum within secular buddhism.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, there are definitely a range of approaches.

I simply meditate daily, about thirty minutes of watching my breath. Before meditating, I first take the Three Refuges, then I bow to my front, back, left, right, above, below, and then I say the four agreements (beings are innumerable, I vow to save them...), then I say the five statements (death, disease, old age, change are inevitable, I accept them. Karma is a law, I respect it. Then I do the Metta prayer for a list of groups of people). Then I meditate. At the end I count my breaths down from ten, then say five Thich statements (in/out, deep/long, calm/ease, smile/release, present moment/precious moment), bow in reverse, and get up and enjoy LIFE. Very simple indeed.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

Interesting, thanks Rico!

I dont see the link that you mentioned at 4:50 in reference to the use of statues and images.

Hey Doug, what are your thoughts on almsgiving? Do you think the traditional method should be practiced in our modern society or is there a better, more practical way to help instill respect and faith in the world? Is there a form of secular almsgiving or is that a misnomer? I suppose your channel could be considered a form of educational alms, but I'm unsure of how it relates to the original practice. Thanks and keep up the good work.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Josiah, it's a great question. I think it's up to each individual practitioner how they want to express their generosity: whether to give traditionally, as to a monastic sangha, or just to give to worthy charities or people. However in my view generosity is central to practice, traditional or secular. I did a video about this awhile back: kzread.info/dash/bejne/an-Yzcpwhry2fZM.html I also practice generosity with this channel, and with a number of organizations in different ways. My Patreon link is the other half of that whole cycle of generosity. 🙂

I’m glad you brought up the practice of prostration, since it’s one of the catalysts that brought me from traditional to secular Buddhism. In my experience, the teaching that all sentient beings are already Buddhas, they just haven’t awakened to it yet is crucial. For example, in Korean Zen temples they often have a mirror behind their Buddha statue to remind us of that very point. When you look at your Buddha statue, you’re looking not at Siddhartha Gautama as much as you’re facing your own true nature. The reflection looking back on you is also a Buddha, but does he/she know it and live accordingly? Prostration is very self-deprecating, which is very different from being humble. It becomes this very theistic-feeling “I’m not worthy” kind of act, not at all in line with the Buddhist idea of equanimity and compassion. Compassion starts at home and would you ask someone to prostrate themselves to you? Hopefully not. The same compassion you show to the other Buddhas you meet in the street, you must also show to the Buddha in the mirror. Whether you are a Zen Roshi or a criminal convict, we meet and I recognize your Buddha nature with a simple “gasshou” (the palms together prayer-like gesture). No prostration necessary in any direction.

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

True, and for the same reason some people do find prostrations useful in their practice: they are simply prostrating themselves to their own "Buddha nature" or their own potential for enlightenment. I think it just depends how we hold it.

@user-hi6dj2we1b

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, I agree. It's less about what you do, and more about the mindfulness with which you do it.

Here's some feedback. I came to this video not really knowing what Buddhism was at all but curious. I chose this video since I am an atheist. I think you did a great job of explaining how secular Buddhism is different to traditional Buddhism, thank you - but I must admit I'm only learnt a little about what Buddhism is in general. The 8 fold path bit seemed interesting. Anyway thanks for the video - I know it's 5 years old - please know you're still reaching people 5 years on.

@DougsDharma

3 ай бұрын

Glad to hear it! If you are interested, of course I do have plenty of other videos. My approach is to try to be ecumenical in presenting the traditional side as well.

I do not consider myself as a secular buddhist. For example do buddhist images of buddhas sometimes speak to me (I literally experience a stream of blessings coming from them) I listen to your talks because I like your diligent, thorough and thoughtful approach. You are one of my spiritual barkeepers. Also it is way more easy for me to understand because you come from a western culture. When I study in Tsongkaphas Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, I have to find my way through thick layers of cultural and historic sediments not to speak of the whole secrecy around practices. It is a bit difficult to explain this in English ESL.

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

Sure, each of us has to find our own way along the path. If it works for you, then great! 🙏

@user-ht2ip2pe6d

Жыл бұрын

🙏The Enlightened Buddha is every where, although He's not coming and not going. That's why we still have to pay respect to the Buddha image. Congratulations to you to be able to feel the flow of blessings from the images.☀️

Im finding various traditions conflicting in certain beliefs. By cherry picking whats sensible/useful/practical, does it make me a secular buddhist?

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

Well I guess it depends on how you're doing the picking. To an extent, most Buddhists I know cherry pick here and there from various traditions, but many would probably be considered more traditional in that they accept rebirth and so on. There is always going to be a range.

I am a Roman Catholic. I have found so much benefit in reading about Buddhism and mediating, Is it ok to be a secular Buddhist and Catholic or just Buddhist in general? Mindfulness is really helping me so much and im reading many books. But there are so many books from various sects. It can be a little overwhelming,.

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

Yes, Buddhism is a very old tradition so there are a lot of options out there. As far as Buddhism goes, I think it's really up to you how you want to use the practices. I have a video from awhile back about Buddhists who practice other religions: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aqun1rWhoNKZiZs.html

I agree wholeheartedly that you don’t have to believe in anything supernatural in order to work with devotional practices. I personally practice Hindu devotional practices such as kirtan and Japa but I don’t believe in Hindu gods. I just see them as symbols.

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly so. We can approach these practices in so many different ways.

Are the concepts of "enlightenment" or "Nirvana" used in secular Buddhism? Rules for living are abundant in Buddhism, and so are rules for death & beyond.

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Oh sure, though how they are interpreted depends on the person.

One thing I've avoided is identifying with any one religion or philosophy because with that, I feel, comes an association that if you don’t follow every tenet or subscribe to every ritual/dogma, then you're not living a true life in those respective lines of thought. I appreciate secular Buddhism because it takes out all of the mystic elements seen in traditional Buddhism but keeps the core elements and practices.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, that can be one pitfall of a traditional approach to religion, though even traditional believers typically pick and choose those parts they consider useful or not useful to their own belief and practice. (E.g., many traditional Christians leave aside Jesus's teachings on the poor).

I'm curious what people think of Thich Nhat Hanh's tradition? Could it be considered secular? It certainly seems so in some ways to me, though it has tradiitonal aspects to it.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

It’s a good question Robert and one that has been on my mind as well. Thick Nhat Hanh seems to pursue a sort of ecumenical approach to Buddhism, even including elements of Christianity and theism from time to time. That said, his could be considered a secular approach as well. I think it’s less clear than the Dalai Lama though who has written extensively on such topics: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pWSHpNqpZavWn84.html

I think you bring great content. I am not a good whatever the religion...but kinda implied... Have a great day , you bring intereting facks and very interesting informations. Gautama knew how to stop before , when you face the bardos...you can hurt yourself , going back to vacuity and avoiding to push to far at each step is the key. i am sure he saw yogi die doing practice and learned to shut the eye. Take good care ,keep in mind if you seek you don't find. And why you do is judge ,who wish wisdom get ,who seek glory will loose their mind.

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

🙏😊

To each their own, but for me the spiritual realm is very much real - I’m a bit of a mystic in my outlook. Yet conversely I don’t care at all about the idea of reincarnation. The reason is, it’s just not relevant to me. Whether reincarnation is real, or not, I’m going to live ‘ this ‘ life of practice and loving service to the world and people around me. 🌺 That’s my two cents anyway.

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks CF, I think each of us will have our own preferred "take" on the dharma, which is absolutely fine! The main thing is to practice. 🙏

Thank you for sharing, Bro. In my point of view, the good of secular Buddhism is they follow the practice in early Buddhism and the early pali sutta, this is valuable . The real dhamma and teaching is in the early sutta. One of the disadvantage for the secular Buddhism practice is , if did not believe in rebirth and Kamma, is hard for people to undertake the precept (Sila) totally and seriously, since they believe there is no punishment in after life, or reward. Am I right ? Because some student need fear of punishment, just they can behave, right ? Imagine if there is no prison and rules, what will happen in this world ? Will people lead by Greed, hatred more ? And if unable to undertake the precept well, is hard to get good progress In right-mindfulness and right-samadhi in noble 8 fold path, because Sila, Samadhi & Panna is needed, we can't say is ok if I'm not good in Sila(precept), but I will still good in right-mindfulness and still can easily attain Jhana (right-samadhi) And what is the right view? Right view is to understand the 4 noble truth, and also dependent origin (which is the cause of suffering, the 2nd noble truth) So to understand dependent origin totally, do we need to accept rebirth ? Is it all 12 dependent origin happen in this life only, if according to the early pali sutta? Just my sharing 🙏🙏🙏

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Sure eddygan, some folks may need to accept a future life in order to be ethical. But others of us may not. And indeed, there are plenty of people who do believe in future lives who do not undertake ethical practices, so at any rate the belief is no guarantee.

@eddygan325

3 жыл бұрын

@@DougsDharma ya, like many people know there is prison and punishment waiting for them if there disobey the country rules, but still will have some of them will break the rules. However , most of the mass will follow the rules, right ? But, if without prison and punishment, is it more people will create there own rules that lead by greed, hatred ... Will the world have more suffering and unsafe ? Nice to know you, Bro After I went to 10 day vipassana few years ago, I found that I can't really keep the precept well in daily life if I totally ignore the kamma and future life. But after accept the kamma and future life , I even willing to practice the 8 precept once per week. And I found that precepts will help in our practice (include mindfulness and meditation ) , but without strong "why", we will easily lead by greed and hatred and give up the precepts, which is one of the foundation of the noble path . Just my sharing 🙏

Doug, I have a question that came to me this morning. A few years ago I read the Bhagavad Gita, and I remember learning that the ancient Vedic sages, through deep meditation, discovered an eternal and universal Self. Why do you think that the Buddha & these sages came to different conclusions on the same concept through mediation?

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

That's a very good question Chris. In the Brahmajāla Sutta the Buddha basically says that sages such as these mistake certain states of meditation for a "self". We have to decide whether or not we agree with the Buddha's diagnosis.

@localnugget

5 жыл бұрын

Doug's Secular Dharma thanks for the input

@brandon637

5 жыл бұрын

In my OPINION as some one who is interested in the thought of the Vedic sages an Buddha dharma, I think this may be a semantic issue. I had a psychedelic experience with DMT once. This experience allowed me to deeper understand the concept of "non-self" as well as the Advaita Vedantic concept of "true self" or "universal self." Both concepts kinda allude to, you are not this body, not this mind, not this ego, not the traditional psychological conception of "self." In Advaita Vedanta they identify with the true self which is called "Brahman." The Buddha, Siddhartha said we are not the five aggregates, I believe this is where they are in agreement. Now I think the difference is in what you choose to identify with after you get rid of the five aggregates, not to mention the difference in opinion about spirit/soul. That being said I can honestly say I understand both positions. Hope that is of some use to someone. PEACE.

@patthompson008

5 жыл бұрын

Another secular Buddhist here. In all likelihood, it is because they practice different meditation methods that they come to different states and different conclusions. Meditation can take many objects as its focus, and there are different manners of focusing as well. Buddha's eventual approach was new and unique at the time, something different than what the Hindu sages (and Buddha himself) had done before. The practice of Jhana meditation, Samatha, had already been around a long time, and was initially practiced by Buddha prior to discovering the practice that led to his 'Enlightenment'. Jhanic states can feel like something you might identify with a true universal self, hence the Hindu belief in an Atman, or soul. You essentially become one with your meditation object in a really intense experience, and it feels fantastic and has many benefits - equanimity, tranquility, clarity of mind, etc. To someone who doesn't know better, the Jhanic states could easily be interpreted as an inner soul or connecting to a cosmic soul or something. According to some modern Buddhist teachers however, the Jhanic states of Samatha meditation are just one side of the practice that Buddha used on the path to Enlightenment - the other side apparently being Insight, or Vipassana. Like two wings of a bird, both are said to be needed to take flight and reach the goal. Vipassana meditation was the new addition added, and the practice that led to the knowledge of Anatta, or no self. The Thai Forest Tradition treats the two methods like a one-two punch - first develop Samatha, and when you're ready, apply Vipassana.

Be like water my friend!

I'd really like to know what you guys as secular buddhists think about stoicism? They're often linked, but I've only heard from fans of stoicism about that, and not the other way around.

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

I've done a few videos on Stoicism and Buddhism in the past. See for example five similarities between them: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qX5ky7Oifsmciqg.html , there's also a video on five differences. And Antonia Macaro's book on Buddhism and Stoicism: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nn1sldBul6idqdo.html

Very helpful. Thank you! Through this clarification, I may as well be a secular Buddhist but not sure?. Interesting. I will re-listen to see where I am at with all that. Also, like you said, it is not well defined ... e.g. I "get" emptiness and no-self - and the basics... also I seek liberation - so would I still be a secular Buddhist? I will listen again and explore this way of expressing some Buddhist. Secular to me means not religious.... and that I like. I also go for having a grip over the principles but then let me apply them in the way that harmonizes with my make up so-to-speak. For example, I connect with some teachers but not others - my intention is to get the basics of the teachings... which I call the principles... and they make sense to me but not the ritual for a long term basis. Thank you for this is making me think about the distinction and where I am with that. I really appreciate the teachings a lot and applying is the main challenge....

@DougsDharma

2 ай бұрын

Sure, glad it was helpful! And yes, there is no strict definition, so it's a matter of finding what seems right to you.

@lmansur1000

2 ай бұрын

@@DougsDharma Thank you! Got it!

Not sure what label I would fall under, I never really focus on it personally. I enjoy practicing and studying from all forms of Buddhism sects. I suppose I tend to be a bit more secular since I focus a lot on the here and now. Although, I am open to past and future lives but I let things that are out of my control be and let it unfold.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

Yes labels like these are not a big deal anyway. 🙂

Interesting video...I’ve been pondering on taking the refuge. But I see the creator as the Tao and not exactly an all powerful God. As an African my take is that God is in everything which ends up being the Tao. So the idea of the Buddha is just adding up that it is in me as well. The prostrations did put me off a bit in the beginning but now I see it differently. It is a reminder of the many characteristics of the Buddha that is also asleep in us. The reincarnation idea is cool. I resonate with it so I’m fine with the traditional Buddhism. The only thing that really puts me off is the whole idea of a religion. I have a sour perspective on religions so it is something I need to overcome and understand that the religious teachings are separate from the practitioners.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

These are great points Iva. I think for many with a more traditional viewpoint they may find community in a normal sangha. But the whole problem (really, no matter how we approach the teachings) is to find a beneficial sangha in which we feel at home. That can be difficult! Personally I like Vipassana/Insight centers because they aren't too "religiony" in their approach. But of course each center is different and not all of them will appeal.

@almeidareis

4 жыл бұрын

Doug's Secular Dharma that is a great point, thank you for the insight. I have been looking for the Temple I feel comfortable with. But is it important to stick and commit to one Buddhist centre?

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

Not necessarily Iva, it's more important just to find a center or centers that you find appropriate. If you do find one, you will probably want to stick around. 🙂

Did you identify with a different school of thought before secular Buddhism?

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Not really. I went through a Zen phase for awhile where I was borderline identifying with it. 🙂

Hi Doug, Thanks for your video! I'm brand new to this and know very little, but I took some classes on Buddhism and psychology, and have been recently interested in exploring Buddhism in terms of practice, but have zero personal interest in any theistic or devotional aspects of it. I'm essentially only interested in the philosophical aspects of it, pursuing the Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path, and I meditate regularly already. I came from a very traditional Christian upbringing that wasn't at all right for me, and I your little nod to people with that background in this video really spoke to me. So is secular Buddhism right for me? Are there more specific types of secular Buddhism? Is it right to even call myself a Buddhist at all if I don't believe in other lives, am not concerned with imagery, chanting, or anything that resembles worship? I think I'm just looking for a term for my practices (note that I didn't say "beliefs.")

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Well that's completely up to you. As for the word "Buddhist", it's just a label. Some (most, I think) would consider you a Buddhist if you are interested in the Buddhist dharma and practice. But some will only consider you a Buddhist if you have certain particular beliefs. I wouldn't get too hung up on such things though Bailey! And as for secular Buddhism, it's a work-in-progress. So make of it what you will. Again, it's the practices that are most important.

@zellamaestro

3 жыл бұрын

@@DougsDharma Thanks, Doug! I think I've been looking to give my practices and beliefs (or lack thereof, in many areas) a name for some sense of solidarity, but I suppose that isn't the point. As you said, it's just a label. I should probably worry less about what to call myself. Anyway, thank you. I'm loving your videos. You've definitely helped give me some answers and clarity, and you're just really easy to listen to! You do great work for people, Doug. Thanks again.

Do you identify as a Buddhist during census? And generally in your everyday life.

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

For my own views, see: kzread.info/dash/bejne/q4isrcmzaLDLh8o.html

Hi Doug, I emailed you a few days ago. Not sure if you got it. My email was about the 2nd noble truth. As for this video, I think it's great. I personally think secular Buddhism is different for everyone. I define secular Buddhism as viewing the Buddha as a philosopher and not necessarily as a religious figure. I would say that I agree with the Buddha's view on philosophy 95% of the time which is why I consider myself a secular Buddhist.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Afanasi, I’m away from my main computer just now so can’t check. Thanks for your views on secular Buddhism, I agree! 🙂

@afanasibushmanov7463

5 жыл бұрын

@@DougsDharma thanks! Keep up the good work!

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

I’ll do my best! 😀

What about Happy Science?

Hey Is secular Buddhism similar to Navayana Buddhism?

@DougsDharma

7 ай бұрын

I think Navayana Buddhism can be seen as one manifestation of a secular Buddhist orientation. See my earlier video on Navayana: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o6B8wdOilabNc6Q.html

Regarding Zen, I agree with you - in general. I've practiced with a lot of "Zennies", and I had to find out that there are more than a few (even, or maybe especially, teachers/masters) who are very religious and cannot be called secular at all. Just a side note warning... 😁

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think there's a range. Still, I do love the practice.

Hello.So which one is the best Buddishm ?🤔🇯🇵

@DougsDharma

3 жыл бұрын

Each person will have their own answer. 🙂

I have been following Buddhism for about 20 years and I didn't know that there was a name for what I am or what I can tell people that ask ... What is it that I follow. Thanks for the explanation. Now I can answer the question instead of stumbling for an answer.

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

That’s great to hear Jay, be well!

Thanks so much for another great video. My path was initially I did Mindfullness Based Stress Reduction, which isn’t even really Buddhist. I wasn’t interested in anything religious initially. As I got into the practice I got interested in Buddhism as such. I stumbled upon the Thai Forest Tradition and found it squared quite nicely with my secularist tendencies. Ajahn Chah for instance didn’t really believe in rebirth. Lately I’ve been getting into Ajahn Buddhadasa. He explicitly argues against rebirth and claims it is a later addition and not what the Buddha held! I think monastic Buddhists especially in the Theravada tradition can have wildly different opinions. So, I’m not sure I really see a distinction between “secular Buddhism” and just ordinary Buddhism that hasn’t become overly institutionalized to the point where there is no free thought. So, I think before Ajahn Mun Thai Buddhism was dead. I find many Westerners project their distaste for Christianity on to Buddhist monasticism, I know I did. In traditions where Buddhism is a live philosophy this is probably misplaced projection and unfortunately the cost of this means many practioners are missing out on some of the very best teachers.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, thanks SmileBot. There is a lot of wisdom in traditional approaches to the dhamma, and I don’t see any reason not to be open to them even if they may not be our own.

@brandon637

5 жыл бұрын

Never heard of Ajahn Chah or the Tai Forest tradition. I'm gonna check that out. Any recommendation on a good place to start study?

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Ajahn Chah is wonderful. I'd just Google him, you will find a number of his teachings.

This practice seems to me to uphold that which only 'makes sense' as 'judged' by the contemporary, westernized-thinking mind... When we embark on the path of Buddhism, it's very common to ask what's my purpose? Why do I want to walk this path? Commonly, dukha is the main motivation... Our dukha... Rather than enlightenment or to be better people, for most lay people it's a way to 'break free' from the pain and suffering that seems to pervade our very existence... Therefore, in many cultures, the practice was devised to 'heal' the heart first... When we evaluate traditional rituals and practices, it's important to understand why, how they arise, what keeps them alive, and how they will cease as all phenomena is... The path of Buddhism is to tread along with the truth of reality... We may pick and choose the dharma as we please... But the 'un-Right' view is not effective in bringing one along the path of release

@DougsDharma

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your thoughts Dennis.

I have traditional beliefs, but in terms of rituals, I mainly just try to keep the observance days (and fail 90% of the time!). Of course, those observances don't need strict religious justification, so my practice isn't significantly different than anything a secular Buddhist would do.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dane, yes I think secular practice shouldn't be very different at all from traditional. 🙏

My inclination is more towards Ambedkarite Navayana secular buddhism, having up close observed how rituals have the tendency to become brahminical and heirarchal, sometimes leading to "othering" of the Buddha...

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Yes Amedkarite Buddhism is quite interesting. I did a video on it awhile back if you haven't seen it: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o6B8wdOilabNc6Q.html

I practice the new Kadampa Buddhism ❤

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

OK thanks!

Secular Buddhism seems to be oriented towards modern practitioners. My Buddhist practice is just meditation and reading of Ancient Buddhist scriptures/sutras as well as Modern Buddhist books

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Yes that makes sense to me! 😄

Thanks, your video was very helpful. Although I'm an atheist I have been interested in Buddhism lately. But I don't believe in any of the supernatural stuff, I'm much more interested in the philosophy and practices of Buddhism. So it's good know I can just focus on that without believing in any gods or an afterlife or anything else like that.

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I agree! What's important is the this-life practice.

I am wondering as well if there is such a thing as secular Christians, secular Muslims; Where they would still perform prayers etc but because they feel it helps them in this life, and not just doing them to get into Heaven. I wonder what you guys think

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

I think there are secular Christians and Muslims, Google is your friend in these situations. 😀

@stevenhunter3345

5 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure about secular Christians and Muslims given the emphasis on faith and belief in those traditions, but I know there are secular Jews. A dear friend of mine, her father was a practicing Orthodox Jew (kept all the laws, kosher, etc) and yet didn't believe in God. For him (according to her), it was about his deep connection to culture, heritage, family, and having a structure around which to organize his life.

From a buddhist perspective, there is no such thing as a secular buddhist. Either you are a buddhist or not. Once you follow, 8FNP, etc. then you are a Buddhist. Please note that there are traditions which do not have esoteric or difficult practices and concentrate on the here and now. Unfortunately, they are not widely known in the US.

I even know a Thai Forest monk who has a much more secular approach to Buddhism.

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I did an earlier video on sort-of secular Buddhist approaches in Thailand. I know there are some.

Very good.

@DougsDharma

6 ай бұрын

Many many thanks! 🙏

I think that if one can't give a strict definition to some phenomenon then it hardly exists.

Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt Therapy, once said “Most clients enter psychoanalyses not to free themselves of their neurosis, but to get better at it.” Most secular Buddhists practice meditation not to liberate themselves from dukkha (suffering) but to get better at it. The Pali Canon can be pretty raw and off-putting stuff.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob. Yes, there are indeed some who prefer to embrace dukkha than overcome it. That said, there may be an argument that one method to overcome dukkha just is to embrace it, if we understand "embrace" in a certain way. Different strokes for different folks.

@bobg.7976

5 жыл бұрын

Joseph Goldstein said in a dharma talk that most can’t even conceive of themselves without being in relationship to suffering. But it could be that Vipassana types like him and us are self-selecting, happy go lucky well adjusted folks don’t go off to sit 10 days on a zhafu.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Well, and there is a lot of distraction in the world. People are paid good money to distract! 😄

I have heard Buddhist monks say that secular Buddhism is contradictory.They say Buddhism is religious and spiritual and secular is the opposite.How do you answer that?You don't hear of secular Muslims or Catholics, people just wouldn't understand those terms, surely it's the same with secular Buddhism?

@DougsDharma

6 ай бұрын

Secularism can be spiritual as well.

I'm not A Secular Buddhist But a Agnostic Atheist Who Does Yoga I love Yoga 💕🌎😈 .

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

🙏😊

Dairy of an Buddhist Atheist

This is interesting, Although, the Buddha believed heavily in reincarnation. Isn’t that somewhat Nit secular??

@DougsDharma

10 күн бұрын

Sure, the point of a secular approach is to set aside the aspects of Buddhist belief that strike us as speculative and unseen, and focus on those that are more apparent and immediate.

Buddhism without karma can't be named Buddhism be it secular or not. If you read Buddhist canonical text you'll sea, that the theory of karma and rebirths is in the centre of Buddhism.

@DougsDharma

5 ай бұрын

I've done a lot of videos on karma, have a whole playlist on the subject ...

Buddhism has harmed me because of puritan beliefs and a toxic community. I still like many ideas, but there is trauma in that relationship.

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

So sorry to hear. Indeed, some communities are not right for us and should be avoided. 🙏

Have you had people messing with folks using religion about a Christain or Yah God going around with a spirit of jealously. Idk man that is some issues that is in that god belief system that is toxic. I do know a god who can't let you go in peace and freewill of choosing something that is if not you go to hell and don't get off freely imprisonment card and judgement is hard and wrong. I don't even treat my own children in that manner. Do I have to get a protective order from their god? Life is stressful enough as it is. Take it easy. Buddha seems like he don't want to punish people with hell and torment. That something easier to love back without the condition of being sent to hell.

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it can be pretty crazy out there. Take it easy is right! 😊

Faith is to believe. In Buddhism, believe is you can achieve the life state of a Buddha. To have faith is to practice and study. It's not a blind faith. It's a faith we practice and study the principles of Buddhism to cultivate wisdom over time. Absolute faith is not influenced by external conditions. I also think that we humans need an object of devotion to focus(meditate) but that object of devotion has to be the reflection of yourself. Object of devotion means fundamental of respect. Some people might look at having a social status or money as object of devotion, or having a girlfriend or boyfriend is their happiest object of devotion or in some instances, people pray to external forces or gods or supernatural power as object of devotion. Buddhism or Shakyamuni Buddha takes object of devotion as its object of fundamental respect the life of the Buddha -the eternal essence of life at one with the universe. That object of veneration is not something abstract or out of reach, because it is life itself. I agree with you having an image or a statute of the Buddha as long as you are not clinging on to it and that's fine. However, when it comes to Mahayana schools you want to spread the teachings to the jambudvipa. Mahayana is to practice for oneself but also practice for others.That's why the practice has to be very universal or like you say secular. It shouldn't have too much of clinging on to religious rituals, traditions, or culture background influenced. Buddhism is for everybody. Another great topic and great post. Thank you.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome Michael. Yes, you’re right that we want to help not only ourselves but others as well with the teachings. 🙏

I find 'secular Buddhist' a little problematic. I thin it might be better to say Western Buddhist. Or maybe just Mindfulness Practitioner. Since if you are secular you are not placing any special reverence on Buddhism, the term Buddhist may not be applicable. What is the utility of the term? There are Buddhists that I have encountered, even venerable monks and nuns, who do not take the more extraordinary claims of Buddhist tradition at face value, but rather as the context of storytelling of the time 2500 years ago. I think many people who find Buddhism to be 'too much' in terms of supernatural stories and beliefs really ought to get to know some legitimate Buddhists from an Asian country. These concepts of re-incarnation at not at the forefront of their belief and practice. In fact most Buddhists I have known do not practice Buddhism with the same kind of fervor that we in the West do. One of my Chinese friends made a funny point about this. Westerners do Buddhism the way old people in China do. Like they think they are going to die in the near future so they want to make up for lost time. People who grow up with Buddhism in the culture are more relaxed about their attitude towards rituals or other aspects of religion. They do observe Buddhist holidays and may have a small Buddha image in their household. Point being, Buddhism is a spectrum and always has been. There have always been hardcore Buddhists who go so far as being monks or nuns. Or if not able to commit to that life, they may donate a large portion of wealth to the local temple. Then you have people who are more casual about it. This need to make the distinction of Secular Buddhist seems to be rejecting the parts of Buddhism which we find distasteful or difficult to our perspective. So we are vivisecting a living tradition to construct our own Frankenstein religion. Yes religion. Just because we tacked the word secular on it doesn't wipe it clean of all religious elements. You still have the word Buddha in there. So you are borrowing the authority of millennia old tradition. Why do I say problematic? Because we as westerners have a long history of taking from other cultures with impunity. In this case we are not taking spices, gold or bodies, but belief. We are severing the philosophy of Buddhism from it's roots and harvesting the fruits for a 'life hack' or some other perceived benefit. I'll confess I find some forms of Buddhism to be a bit much for my taste. The Mahayana branch in general seems to be more religious in ways similar to Christianity. And that I think is the source of a lot of this. We are refugees from Christianity who recoil at any similarity we see in Buddhism.

@DougsDharma

Жыл бұрын

The word "secular" is for some reason confusing for a lot of people, which is why I tend not to use it very often. If you find another word or phrase more congenial to your practice then by all means go ahead and use it. We can all do so without necessarily criticizing our neighbor's preferred practice for not being our own.

If you don't have a belief in rebirth, karma, and the concept of enlightenment, you have "wrong view" and therefore have no basis to practice the Buddhist path. To be a Buddhist, who have to take refuge in the three jewels to block the door to the lower realms and set you on the path to enlightenment. Thus, to take refuge properly and qualify as a Buddhist, you must believe in rebirth, karma, and the possibility of reaching a state beyond suffering.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your thoughts davideskridge. You might want to check out my earlier video on what the Buddha might say about secular Buddhism, where I dealt with many of the issues you raise: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fpuCla-NZtCaqqw.html . You may also want to take a look at my video on whether there were actually two refuges for the Buddha: kzread.info/dash/bejne/epaMqY-xfaW6hLw.html , and my more recent video on what authentic Buddhism might have meant for the Buddha: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nYdhutasoZfFqKg.html . 🙂

@patthompson008

5 жыл бұрын

What then of Anatta, a core part of one of the 4 Noble Truths? Annica as well? These are two of the three of the "tilakkhana". A practicing Buddhist should know the causes of suffering, and hold overcoming those higher than any cultural beliefs, or metaphors taken too literally. The truth of No Self doesn't really work with the concept of souls being reborn, does it? Neither does the truth of Impermanence support an immortal reincarnating essence. I prefer Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh's interpretation of the concept of Karma and Rebirth - that when we die we aren't "reborn", as we were never "born", we simply change. The particles that made you who you are are never destroyed, they simply change and get used as something else. "You" (interpreted here as the particles that make up your body) will someday become part of the air (technically you do every time you exhale!), part of the river, part of the grass in the cemetery, part of the worms and the birds. Not as one thing, but as many. We are all a part of a interconnected world, and what we do affects everything else and future generations. You are of the Universe, and the Universe is of you. You are stardust, cabbage, water, tofu, potato chips, chicken, etc. And so shall you be once more. It is needless to imagine that you were once a specific dog 1000 years ago. 1000 years ago, you were a lot of things. 7 years ago, none of the cells that make up your current body existed. 70 million years ago, the air in your body was being breathed by dinosaurs. Science and secularism reinforce the core teachings of Buddhism, and help guide us wayward wanderers to the right view and right path. Metta,

"theres nothing wrong with rituals and images if you happen to find them useful but of course we all know they are empty and pointless" ok thanks

@DougsDharma

2 жыл бұрын

That's not a quote from me.

@cameronkemp9742

2 жыл бұрын

@@DougsDharma ever heard of paraphrasing? nah get on witcha secular self. more good vibes is never a bad thing, even if you don't particularly believe in vibes per se.

According to Ajan Bramali, there is no secular Buddhism. If you don't accept Buddha's original teaching, you are not Buddhist.

There’s no such thing as “secular Buddhism”. It’s a false dichotomy. Buddha never said that past or future lives truly exist. Get it?

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your thoughts Robert. It’s a helpful description for some people, if you don’t find it helpful then set it aside. That’s fine too.

@rjbullock

5 жыл бұрын

@@DougsDharma You're a nice guy but I object to Buddhism being mischaracterized. By creating so-called secular Buddhism, you're implying that "regular" Buddhism is somehow mystical or irrational.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert. It is not a mischaracterization to say that traditional Buddhism - including the Buddhism of the Nikāyas - includes supernatural elements. The Buddha himself famously said that on the night of his awakening he achieved the supernormal iddhis and recalled “his numerous past lives, that is, one birth, two births, three, four, or five births; ten, twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty births; a hundred births, a thousand births, a hundred thousand births; many aeons of world contraction, many aeons of world expansion, many aeons of world contraction and expansion, (recollecting): ‘There I had such a name, belonged to such a clan, had such an appearance; such was my food, such my experience of pleasure and pain, such my span of life. Passing away from that state, I re-arose there. There too I had such a name, belonged to such a clan, had such an appearance; such was my food, such my experience of pleasure and pain, such my span of life. Passing away from that state I re-arose here.’ Thus he recollects his numerous past lives in their modes and their details.” (DN 2). I am not sure if you are taking all this as mere metaphor. If so, then we are not in disagreement but very many traditional Buddhists, including great scholars of the early material, do not take these as metaphor.

@rjbullock

5 жыл бұрын

@@DougsDharma Doug, did the Buddha teach emptiness of all things? If so (the answer is "Yes."), then it's irrelevant that some who call themselves Buddhist assert true existence of past or future lives, it's not what the Buddha actually taught. Buddhism has different levels of meaning but nowhere in any scripture did the Buddha ever say that there is a true self that is reborn (or born for that matter). He taught these fables expediently as a means of orienting the mind away from fixation on this life and in accord with beliefs of the time. So you're basically asserting that a new "secular" tradition must be created to accomodate the non-literal interpretation that the Buddha never taught. I believe this is unnecessary and harmful to truly understanding dharma. NOTHING is literally true or false, everything is metaphor. The question is whether the metaphor is useful in leading us beyond clinging to things as truly real.

@DougsDharma

5 жыл бұрын

Robert, thanks for your replies. I can only say that if you claim the Buddha did not teach rebirth you are taking issue with virtually every interpretation of the early material, from traditional to scholarly. It’s not a useful dispute since I do not believe in rebirth either; there is no point arguing with me on this matter. But I would suggest you read the early texts and see what they say about it. 🙏

There is no such thing as secular buddhism....just stop it.re write another religion,if you must.