Secular dharma is not a ‘school’ of traditional Buddhism
Secular Buddhism can be seen as a recent, emerging practice that uses the teachings of the Buddha (the dharma). It is a broad, worldwide movement that offers a space where the dharma can have relevance to modern practitioners. Secular dharma has no orthodoxy, separate canon or official institutional presence.
A secular dharma practice doesn’t require us to adopt the metaphysical beliefs or activities generally associated with Buddhism, such as chanting or praying. A secular space is one that is open and tolerant, and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender, ability, beliefs or faith.
As a community, we are developing creative forms of practice and thought that harmonise with our own culture here in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its more progressive values.