Secular Dharma

Secular Dharma is a novel way of rethinking Buddhist wisdom in an age of global modernity. This online course sets forth a comprehensive philosophical, contemplative, and ethical way of life without reference to the Indian metaphysical framework common to the various schools of Buddhism. The aim of Secular Dharma is human flourishing rather than the attainment of “enlightenment.” 

In six units, Martine and Stephen Batchelor will present their understanding of Secular Dharma as they have been practicing it themselves and teaching it at Bodhi College. In each unit they will offer meditations, talks, reflections and parables to illuminate their approach. This is the first time they have provided a systematic understanding of Secular Dharma online. 

The purpose of the course is not to disparage traditional Buddhism but to provide a positive, constructive vision for a secular understanding of the dharma and meditation practice. The course will be addressed to committed Buddhists, mindfulness practitioners, and complete beginners alike.

STEPHEN BATCHELOR is a Buddhist teacher and writer known for his secular or agnostic approach to the Dharma. Formerly a Buddhist monk in the Tibetan and Zen traditions, he is the translator and author of several books including Buddhism Without Beliefs, Living With the Devil and After Buddhism. What is this? Ancient questions for modern minds, was published by The Tuwhiri Project in 2019. His most recent book is The Art of Solitude. 

Stephen considers Buddhism to be a constantly evolving culture of awakening rather than a religious system based on immutable dogmas and beliefs. In particular, he regards the doctrines of karma and rebirth to be features of ancient Indian civilisation and not intrinsic to what the Buddha taught. Through his writings, translations and teaching, Stephen engages in a critical exploration of Buddhism's role in the modern world, which has earned him both condemnation as a heretic and praise as a reformer.

MARTINE BATCHELOR studied Zen Buddhism under the guidance of the late Master Kusan at Songgwang Sa monastery until 1984. Her Zen training also took her to nunneries in Taiwan and Japan. From 1981 she served as Kusan Sunim's interpreter and accompanied him on lecture tours throughout the United States and Europe. She translated his book The Way of Korean Zen. Following Master Kusan’s death she returned her nun’s vows and left Korea.

Martine is the author of Principles of Zen, Meditation for Life (an illustrated book on meditation), The Path of Compassion, Women in Korean Zen, and Let Go: A Buddhist Guide to Breaking Free of Habits. Her latest book is The Spirit of the Buddha.

Martine speaks French, English, and Korean and can read Chinese characters. She has written various articles for magazines on the Korean way of tea, Buddhism and women, Buddhism and ecology, and Zen cooking. She is interested in meditation in daily life, Buddhism and social action, religion and women's issues, and Zen and its history: both factual and legendary.