Stephen is a contemporary Buddhist teacher and author of several books, best known for his secular or agnostic approach to Buddhism. He considers Buddhism to be a constantly evolving culture of awakening rather than a religious system based on immutable dogmas and beliefs. In particular, he regards the doctrines of karma and rebirth to be features of ancient Indian civilization and not intrinsic to what the Buddha taught. Buddhism has survived for the past 2,500 years because of its capacity to reinvent itself in accord with the needs of the different Asian societies with which it has creatively interacted throughout its history. As Buddhism encounters modernity, it enters a vital new phase of its development. Through his writings, translations and teaching, Stephen engages in a critical exploration of Buddhism’s role in the modern world, which has earned him both condemnation as a heretic and praise as a reformer.

The Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS) is a research, educational, and outreach center in the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona. The Center collaborates with departments and communities within and outside the UA to promote academic research on the Buddhist tradition and its related religious, intellectual, social, cultural, and artistic aspects in all geographical regions in the world.

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