Stephen Batchelor Book order

"The Art of Solitude examines the human experience of solitude from four perspectives: meditation, art, philosophy and shamanic medicine. These four themes are interwoven throughout the book, affording the reader a multi-faceted account of what it means to be alone with others in this world. The book is inspired by four Buddhist poems in the Pali language, entitled The Four Eights (a translation of which is included as an appendix). These poems, which are possibly the earliest of all Buddhist texts, start by posing the question of what is true solitude. The backbone of the book is a study of the inner life of the 16th century French essayist and philosopher Michel de Montaigne. This biography is complemented by the author's account of his own forty-year journey through the contemplative practices of Buddhism. As a way of revisiting his formative experiences with psychedelics as a young man, the author also recounts his participation in three shamanic medicine ceremonies using peyote and ayahuasca. The theme of solitude is further elaborated through the author's reflections on the paintings of Johannes Vermeer and Agnes Martin, as well as his journeys to hermitages in India and Korea. While drawing on Buddhist materials, this is the author's first non-Buddhist book. He seeks to integrate what he has learned from Buddhism with Western philosophy and art as well as the use of mind-altering substances as used in traditional native Indian ceremonies. The structure of The Art of Solitude is inspired by the author's twenty-five year practice as a collage artist. The organization of the book, including the number of its chapters and words, is modeled on the principle of "random order" explored in the author's collage work. The aim of this approach is to reduce the dominance of authorial intention to allow the text to find its own voice"-- Provided by publisher

Focusing on the practice of radical questioning within the Korean Buddhist tradition, this collection features talks by Martine and Stephen Batchelor from a 2016 retreat. The authors illustrate how this form of inquiry can be relevant and beneficial for contemporary individuals, encouraging readers to engage with profound ancient questions in a modern context.

An essential collection of Stephen Batchelor's most probing and important work on secular Buddhism As the practice of mindfulness permeates mainstream Western culture, more and more people are engaging in a traditional form of Buddhist meditation. However, many of these people have little interest in the religious aspects of Buddhism, and the practice occurs within secular contexts such as hospitals, schools, and the workplace. Is it possible to recover from the Buddhist teachings a vision of human flourishing that is secular rather than religious without compromising the integrity of the tradition? Is there an ethical framework that can underpin and contextualize these practices in a rapidly changing world? In this collected volume of Stephen Batchelor's writings on these themes, the author explores the complex implications of Buddhism's secularization. Ranging widely--from reincarnation, religious belief, and agnosticism to the role of the arts in Buddhist practice--he offers a detailed picture of contemporary Buddhism and its attempt to find a voice in the modern world.

A renowned Buddhist teacher's magnum opus, based on his fresh reading of the tradition's earliest texts

The book explores profound themes of mindfulness and self-awareness, offering insights into the nature of consciousness and personal growth. It invites readers to reflect on their inner experiences and the impact of societal influences on their lives. Through a blend of philosophical discourse and practical guidance, it aims to inspire a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, encouraging a journey of transformation and enlightenment.

Does Buddhism require faith? Can an atheist or agnostic follow the Buddha’s teachings without believing in reincarnation or organized religion? This is one man’s confession. In his classic Buddhism Without Beliefs, Stephen Batchelor offered a profound, secular approach to the teachings of the Buddha that struck an emotional chord with Western readers. Now, with the same brilliance and boldness of thought, he paints a groundbreaking portrait of the historical Buddha—told from the author’s unique perspective as a former Buddhist monk and modern seeker. Drawing from the original Pali Canon, the seminal collection of Buddhist discourses compiled after the Buddha’s death by his followers, Batchelor shows us the Buddha as a flesh-and-blood man who looked at life in a radically new way. Batchelor also reveals the everyday challenges and doubts of his own devotional journey—from meeting the Dalai Lama in India, to training as a Zen monk in Korea, to finding his path as a lay teacher of Buddhism living in France. Both controversial and deeply personal, Stephen Batchelor’s refreshingly doctrine-free, life-informed account is essential reading for anyone interested in Buddhism.

The book explores the evolving relationship between Buddhism and Western culture, presenting a fresh perspective on its history. Stephen Batchelor employs a unique approach by starting from the present and tracing back to historical roots, effectively linking contemporary Buddhist teachers to their predecessors. Through engaging narratives, he highlights both renowned and lesser-known figures in Buddhism, enriching readers' understanding and appreciation of the religion. This insightful work offers valuable insights for those looking to deepen their wisdom and understanding of Buddhism.

Is your knowledge of The Crusades less than tip-top? Maybe you're curious about Columbus, or you're desperate to read about the Black Death in all its gory detail? This title includes - from kings, knights and anti-Popes, to invasion, famine, the Magna Carta and Joan of Arc (and a few rebellious peasants thrown in for good measure).

The civilisation of the Ancient Greeks has been immensely influential on the language, politics, educational systems, philosophy, science and arts of Western culture.

Stephen Batchelor's seminal work on humanity's struggle between good and evilIn the national bestseller  Living with the Devil , Batchelor traces the trajectory from the words of the Buddha and Christ, through the writings of Shantideva, Milton, and Pascal, to the poetry of Baudelaire, the fiction of Kafka, and the findings of modern physics and evolutionary biology to examine who we really are, and to rest in the uncertainty that we may never know. Like his previous bestseller, Buddhism without Beliefs , Living with the Devil is also an introduction to Buddhism that encourages readers to nourish their "buddha nature" and make peace with the devils that haunt human life. He tells a poetic and provocative tale about living with life's contradictions that will challenge you to live your life as an existence imbued with purpose, freedom, and compassion—rather than habitual self-interest and fear.