The Art of Solitude

Name: The Art of Solitude
Brand: Findaway
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3 (3 reviews)
Author: Stephen Batchelor
ISBN: 9780300253153

Author: Stephen Batchelor

Narrator: Stephen Batchelor

Unabridged: 5 hr 12 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Yale Press Audio

Published: 02/18/2020

Categories: Nonfiction, Religion, Buddhism, Rituals & Practice, Philosophy, Buddhist Philosophy, Body, Mind, & Spirit, Mindfulness & Meditation

Synopsis

When world renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor turned 60, he took a sabbatical from his teaching and turned his attention to solitude, a practice integral to the meditative traditions he has long studied and taught. He aimed to venture more deeply into solitude, discovering its full extent and depth.This beautiful literary collage documents his multifaceted explorations. Spending time in remote places, appreciating and making art, practicing meditation and participating in retreats, drinking peyote and ayahuasca, and training himself to keep an open, questioning mind have all contributed to Batchelor’s ability to be simultaneously alone and at ease. Mixed in with his personal narrative are inspiring stories from solitude’s devoted practitioners, from the Buddha to Montaigne, and from Vermeer to Agnes Martin.In a hyperconnected world that is at the same time plagued by social isolation, this audio book shows how to enjoy the inescapable solitude that is at the heart of human life.

About Stephen Batchelor

Stephen Batchelor is a former monk in the Tibetan and Zen traditions and the author of books including Alone with Others, The Faith to Doubt, The Awakening of the West, Buddhism Without Beliefs, and Living with the Devil. He lives with his wife, Martine, in southwestern France, and lectures and conducts meditation retreats throughout the world.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Ximena Carrasco on June 12, 2021

Este tipo de lecturas son necesarias en mí, me hacen volver a mi origen lector, aquellos momentos en que solo leía este género. Libros de crecimiento personal y divulgación también son mis favoritos dentro de la no ficción. Elogio de la soledad me está llevando a leer El libro tibetano de la vida y......more

Goodreads review by yenni on April 18, 2021

I can't remember the last time I picked up a book by an Englishman called Stephen. I liked SBs voice, time and willingness to step back. My spirituality is forever asking for attention. The volume has turned down during pandemic for need, sense and an uncomfortable, tolerated safety. And so it goes S......more

Goodreads review by Chris on February 13, 2022

What's here is lovely and incisive, for the most part. In the opening, Batchelor claims the book is a collage - 32 unrelated musings on what it means to practice solitude. It's an exciting concept, but the reality is that the book is structured much more conventionally than we're led to believe. Abou......more

Goodreads review by Richard Barry on April 07, 2020

Excellent; insightful, with much to think about in our present circumstance.......more

Goodreads review by Donald on December 28, 2020

I like Stephen Batchelor’s books, and I have read most of his more recent books, and when I saw this one in the library, I borrowed it immediately without even looking through it. Stephen writes very well, and I particularly enjoy the autobiographical stories that he tells. This is a bit surprising t......more