After Buddhism

1. Buddhism as a practical philosophy, not a religion

Gotama is concerned with how a person can flourish within the totality of his or her sensorium, which he calls "the all."

A way of life. Buddhism, as originally taught by Gotama (the Buddha), was not intended to be a religion but a practical philosophy for living. It focuses on understanding and navigating the human experience, rather than adhering to dogmatic beliefs or rituals. This approach emphasizes direct experience and personal insight over blind faith or metaphysical speculation.

Emphasis on practice. The Buddha's teachings, known as the dharma, are meant to be applied in everyday life, not just contemplated abstractly. This includes practices such as mindfulness, ethical conduct, and compassionate action. The goal is not to achieve a transcendent state or union with a divine being, but to live skillfully and flourish as a human being in this world.

Key aspects of Buddhism as a practical philosophy:

• Focus on direct experience and personal insight
• Emphasis on applied practices in daily life
• Goal of human flourishing, not transcendence
• Rejection of blind faith and dogma
• Encouragement of critical thinking and questioning

2. The fourfold task: Embrace suffering, let go of reactivity, behold the ceasing of reactivity, cultivate the path

Embracing dukkha entails letting go of one's views about suffering in order to open oneself to the mystery of suffering.

Understanding suffering. The fourfold task is at the heart of Buddhist practice. The first step is to embrace suffering (dukkha), which means acknowledging and accepting the inherent unsatisfactoriness and imperfection of life. This is not about wallowing in misery, but developing a clear-eyed understanding of the human condition.

Cultivating freedom. The next two steps involve letting go of reactivity (our habitual responses to suffering) and beholding the ceasing of that reactivity. This creates a space of freedom where we can respond to life's challenges more skillfully. The final step is to cultivate the eightfold path, which provides a framework for living ethically and mindfully.

The fourfold task in practice:

1. Embrace suffering: Accept life's inherent challenges
2. Let go of reactivity: Observe habitual responses without acting on them
3. Behold the ceasing of reactivity: Experience moments of non-reactivity
4. Cultivate the path: Develop ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom

3. Mindfulness as a way of life, not just meditation

Meditation is an integral part of a caring/care-full relationship to oneself and the world.

Beyond formal practice. Mindfulness, in the Buddhist context, is not limited to formal meditation sessions. It's a way of living with awareness and presence in every moment. This includes being attentive to our thoughts, feelings, and actions, as well as our interactions with others and the environment.

Everyday mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness in daily life involves bringing full attention to routine activities, such as eating, walking, or conversing. It also means cultivating an attitude of non-judgmental awareness towards our experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant. This ongoing practice helps develop clarity, equanimity, and compassion.

Ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily life:

• Paying attention to sensory experiences during routine activities
• Pausing to check in with your thoughts and emotions throughout the day
• Practicing active listening in conversations
• Observing reactions to challenging situations without immediately acting on them
• Cultivating gratitude for simple moments and experiences

4. The Buddha's teachings on impermanence and non-self

Were mind and matter me, I would come and go like them. If I were something else, they would say nothing about me.

Impermanence as reality. The Buddha taught that all phenomena are impermanent (anicca), constantly changing and in flux. This applies to physical objects, mental states, relationships, and even our sense of self. Recognizing impermanence can help us let go of attachments and adapt more readily to change.

Non-self as insight. The teaching of non-self (anatta) doesn't deny our existence, but challenges the notion of a fixed, unchanging self. Instead, it posits that what we call "self" is a dynamic process of interrelated physical and mental phenomena. Understanding non-self can lead to greater freedom from ego-driven behaviors and a more interconnected view of life.

Implications of impermanence and non-self:

• Reduced attachment to material possessions and outcomes
• Greater adaptability to change and loss
• Less self-centeredness and more empathy for others
• Increased appreciation for the present moment
• A more fluid and flexible sense of identity

5. Reinterpreting karma and rebirth for the modern world

Far more than the generalized speculations of karma theory, this knowledge provides a sobering vision of a degraded future world that is being shaped by how we lead our lives now.

Ethical causality. Traditional interpretations of karma and rebirth often involve belief in multiple lifetimes and cosmic justice. A secular reinterpretation focuses on the ethical principle of causality: our actions have consequences, both for ourselves and others, in this life. This understanding emphasizes personal responsibility and the far-reaching effects of our choices.

Metaphorical rebirth. Rather than literal reincarnation, rebirth can be understood metaphorically as the constant renewal and change we experience moment to moment. Each action creates a "new self," and our patterns of thought and behavior continually shape who we become. This view encourages mindful living and ethical conduct without requiring belief in supernatural phenomena.

Modern interpretations of karma and rebirth:

• Karma as the natural consequences of our actions in this life
• Emphasis on personal responsibility and ethical conduct
• Rebirth as moment-to-moment renewal and change
• Focus on shaping our character and future through present actions
• Recognition of our interconnectedness and impact on future generations

6. The importance of ethical conduct and compassion

A practitioner is committed to an ethics of care, founded on empathy, compassion, and love for all creatures who have evolved on this earth.

Ethics as foundation. Ethical conduct is not peripheral to Buddhist practice but central to it. The Buddha emphasized the importance of living ethically as a basis for personal well-being and harmonious relationships. This includes refraining from harmful actions and cultivating positive qualities such as generosity, kindness, and honesty.

Compassion in action. Compassion (karuna) is a key virtue in Buddhism, extending beyond mere sympathy to active engagement with the suffering of others. Practicing compassion involves developing empathy, offering support, and working to alleviate suffering where possible. This not only benefits others but also contributes to our own well-being and spiritual growth.

Key aspects of Buddhist ethics and compassion:

• The Five Precepts: guidelines for ethical conduct
• Cultivation of positive qualities like generosity and kindness
• Active engagement with the suffering of others
• Recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings
• Balancing self-care with care for others

7. Secular Buddhism: Adapting ancient wisdom for contemporary life

A secular Buddhist is one who is committed to the practice of the dharma for the sake of this world alone.

Modern relevance. Secular Buddhism seeks to adapt the core insights and practices of Buddhist tradition to contemporary life, without requiring belief in supernatural elements or adherence to Asian cultural forms. This approach emphasizes the practical benefits of Buddhist practices for personal well-being, ethical living, and social engagement.

Scientific alignment. Secular Buddhism often engages in dialogue with modern science, particularly in fields like neuroscience and psychology. This can involve reinterpreting traditional concepts in light of scientific understanding, as well as subjecting Buddhist practices to empirical study. The goal is to create a form of Buddhism that is compatible with a modern, scientific worldview while retaining its transformative power.

Key features of secular Buddhism:

• Focus on this-worldly benefits rather than afterlife or rebirth
• Reinterpretation of traditional concepts in naturalistic terms
• Engagement with modern science and psychology
• Emphasis on meditation and mindfulness practices
• Adaptation to diverse cultural contexts beyond traditional Asian forms

8. The role of community in Buddhist practice

A secular sangha is a community of like-minded, self-reliant individuals, united by friendship, who work to mutually support each other in their own flourishing.

Supportive environment. The Buddhist community, or sangha, plays a crucial role in supporting individual practice. It provides opportunities for learning, shared practice, and mutual encouragement. In a secular context, this community can take various forms, from formal meditation groups to informal networks of practitioners.

Collective wisdom. A Buddhist community allows for the sharing of diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching each member's understanding and practice. It also serves as a microcosm for practicing interpersonal skills and ethical conduct. The ideal is a community that supports individual growth while fostering a sense of interconnectedness and shared purpose.

Functions of a Buddhist community:

• Providing support and encouragement for practice
• Offering opportunities for learning and discussion
• Sharing diverse experiences and perspectives
• Practicing interpersonal skills and ethical conduct
• Creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose

9. Critique of Buddhist orthodoxy and institutions

Buddhist institutions and teachers are human and subject to human failings. In this regard, Buddhism is no different from any other religion.

Challenging assumptions. A critical examination of Buddhist orthodoxy and institutions is essential for the continued relevance and vitality of the tradition. This involves questioning dogmatic beliefs, hierarchical structures, and cultural accretions that may no longer serve their original purpose or may even be harmful.

Institutional reform. While acknowledging the value of traditional Buddhist institutions, there's a need for reform to address issues such as gender inequality, abuse of power, and ossified practices. This critique is not about rejection but about encouraging growth, adaptability, and alignment with core Buddhist values in contemporary contexts.

Areas of critique and potential reform:

• Dogmatic beliefs that conflict with modern understanding
• Hierarchical structures that concentrate power
• Gender inequality in traditional Buddhist institutions
• Cultural practices that may be irrelevant or harmful in new contexts
• Lack of engagement with contemporary social and ethical issues

10. The relevance of Buddhist philosophy in addressing global challenges

Rather than concern ourselves with our own hypothetical rebirth, we are challenged to assume a heightened responsibility for this planet and the continued flourishing of its inhabitants, human, animal, and vegetable, as we live our lives now.

Ecological awareness. Buddhist concepts like interdependence and non-self align closely with ecological understanding, promoting a sense of connection with and responsibility for the natural world. This can inform approaches to environmental conservation and sustainable living.

Social engagement. The Buddhist emphasis on compassion and ethical conduct provides a foundation for addressing social issues such as inequality, conflict, and human rights. Mindfulness practices can also contribute to better decision-making and more compassionate policies at individual and collective levels.

Applications of Buddhist philosophy to global challenges:

• Environmental conservation based on interdependence
• Conflict resolution through compassion and non-violence
• Mindful consumption to address overconsumption and waste
• Cultivation of empathy to bridge social and cultural divides
• Stress reduction and mental health support through meditation practices

Last updated: August 1, 2024