Secular meditation is a practice of meditation without any of the religious trappings. It is derived from various Buddhist and Quaker practices and principles, including the ideas of metta (lovingkindness), compassion for self and others, and mindfulness of breath, sound, body and our external environment. Over the years the beneficial physical and psychological effects of meditation have been gaining scientific support, and as a result, more non-religious people have been exploring these practices in a secularized form.
Rick Heller is the author of the recently published book, Secular Meditation: 32 Practices for Cultivating Inner Peace, Compassion, and Joy — A Guide from the Humanist Community at Harvard. Mr. Heller holds Master's degrees in journalism and public policy, and he received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from MIT. He leads weekly meditations at the Humanist Community at Harvard.
Join Atheists Talk this Sunday for our discussion with Rick Heller about his book and the practices of secular meditation.
Related Links:
- Secular Meditation: 32 Practices for Cultivating Inner Peace, Compassion and Joy - Amazon
- The website of Rick Heller
- Rick Heller speaks about Secular Meditation - YouTube book trailer
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