Secular Buddhism
Spiritual traditions / Secular Buddhism
4 excerpts, 11:32 total duration

New Year, New Life, Session 1 – Dec. 16, 2013

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2. “What do you think about the idea of secular Buddhism? Earlier you spoke about bhāvanā versus meditation, that meditation is not a useful translation [of bhāvanā]. Do you think secular Buddhism is useful or not?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Secular Buddhism] [Meditation] // [Human] [Suffering] [Cultural context] [Buddhist identity] [Culture/West] [Learning]

Quote: “Anything is useful if it’s picking up the actual teachings of the Buddha and applying [them] in a skillful way.” [Eightfold Path] [Skillful qualities]


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3. Comment: You spent time with Ajahn Buddhadāsa. Some people call his teachings secular because he didn’t really focus on the supernatural, pretty much similar to Ajahn Chah. This way of thinking [phrase in Thai]. Some people consider that secular. [Ajahn Buddhadāsa] [Secular Buddhism] [Supernatural] [Ajahn Chah]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno: “I doubt that Ajahn Buddhadāsa did.” [Secular Buddhism]


Buddhist Identity in the Modern World – Aug. 15, 2015

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1. Comment: Secular Buddhism is a new Buddhist identity. [Secular Buddhism] [Buddhist identity]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Abhayagiri] [Monastic life] [Culture/West] [Culture/Thailand]


Madison Insight Retreat 2023, Session 3 – Oct. 15, 2023

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5. “What’s your opinion of the secular mindfulness movement (MBSR and its associated programs)? Can mindfulness serve a useful function for people without the rest of the Dhamma?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Secular Buddhism] [Mindfulness]