Buddhism for Seculars by Richard E. Jensen

Buddhism for Seculars provides an introduction to Buddhism tailored to people from the secular, free thought, humanist, naturalistic, cynical, agnostic, and atheist worldviews. At first it may seem odd to offer a book about one of the world’s major religions, or as I prefer to say, major philosophies, to people who have very directly rejected religion and any notion of a supreme being. But within Buddhism, it’s not at all clear that those rejecting god and religions proclaiming god are not interested in a worldview that offers the virtues of compassion, kindness, generosity or humanity, etc. While there is still debate about whether Buddhism is a religion or philosophy, Buddhism can provide an alternative world view without requiring belief in gods, heaven, or hell. There are many books available providing an introduction to Buddhism, but I have yet to find one addressed to the prospective readership described above. I’ve historically regarded Buddhism as a benign point of view, but I must admit I had not, until recently, understood how different it is from other worldviews. The difference lies in the focus of the respective models. Unlike world religions, some Buddhist variations do not have gods to which prayer is directed. While it true that Buddhists show powerful devotion to the Buddha, no one is petitioning the Buddha for outcomes of expected events or for goods that they may want or need. I have concluded, Buddhism may be a substantial adjunct to any secular worldview. I believe free thought people like me, broadly understood, will be attracted to Buddhism once they understand it’s not like any religion or philosophy they’ve ever heard of before. I want to share with you what I regard as my long-overdue recognition that Buddhism has many important gifts for those who understand it, because of its liberal and practical orientation. I am a psychologist by training and practice, but now retired. I bring an intense interest in how people function in their personal world and what might be helpful to them in their efforts to make the most of their lives. I have been quite pleased to go forward with this book on Buddhism and I believe my readers will understand my intentions, and respond to them positively. Separate from multiple edited readers, this is the third book I have authored; Life, Death and Finding Peace and Harmony without Religion (2015) and Meaning in a Secular Life (2020). Both are available on amazon.com.