Insight Journal: Tell us something about your path to the Dharma. David Chernikoff: I was initially introduced to meditation practice when I began the study and practice of yoga in January of 1971. At the time, I was an undergraduate psychology major in my junior year at Tulane University in New Orleans. My first two years at school were largely about sowing wild oats and exploring what I had learned from the mainstream culture about how to be happy. Sadly, and also fortunately, I came to see … [Read more...]
The Buddha Doesn’t Do “Cozy”
John Peacock
A Conversation with John Peacock Insight Journal spoke with John Peacock when he taught at BCBS in November 2014. John has been an academic and meditation teacher for 30 years. Currently he is Co-Director of a Masters degree in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) at the University of Oxford and teaches the Buddhist psychology component on the course. He is also on the Guiding Teacher Council of Gaia House in the UK. You can watch the video of our interview by clicking on the image … [Read more...]
A Philosophical Assessment of Secular Buddhism
Dale S. Wright
I can't pretend that this lives up to a philosophical assessment of Secular Buddhism, so in honor of Stephen Batchelor's leadership for this conference, let me just call this my "confession." Everything about my own life would appear to align with a secular form of Buddhism--I could be the poster child of the movement. Although I've been existentially engaged with Buddhism for half a century, I've never at any point been able to: Join a particular sect or lineage Take vows Wear medieval … [Read more...]