In a time of social distancing and isolation, a meditation on the beauty of solitude from renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor
A Los Angeles Review of Books “Best of the Year” selection
“Whatever a soul is, the author goes a long way toward soothing it. A very welcome instance of philosophy that can help readers live a good life.”―Kirkus Reviews
“Elegant and formally ingenious.”―Geoff Wisner, Wall Street Journal
When world renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor turned sixty, 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, from Vermeer to Agnes Martin.
In a hyperconnected world that is at the same time plagued by social isolation, this book shows how to enjoy the inescapable solitude that is at the heart of human life.
A Los Angeles Review of Books “Best of the Year” selection
“Whatever a soul is, the author goes a long way toward soothing it. A very welcome instance of philosophy that can help readers live a good life.”―Kirkus Reviews
“Elegant and formally ingenious.”―Geoff Wisner, Wall Street Journal
When world renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor turned sixty, 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, from Vermeer to Agnes Martin.
In a hyperconnected world that is at the same time plagued by social isolation, this book shows how to enjoy the inescapable solitude that is at the heart of human life.
The Hepworth Wakefield is a charity, all purchases and donations are vital to support our work.
We aim to dispatch most orders within 3 working days. Due to their fragile nature, artist editions and framed prints may take a little longer to dispatch.
Country |
Standard Shipping |
Artist Editions | Framed Prints |
UK |
Collection FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 £5 Royal Mail Tracked 24 £10 UPS £12
|
Collection FREE UPS £35 |
Collection FREE
UPS: Small prints £15 Large prints £35 |
Europe |
£35 |
£65 |
£100 |
Worldwide |
£45 |
£100 | £150 |
GIFT MEMBERSHIPS: UK £3, Europe £15, Rest of the world £25
MEMBERSHIP & PATRONAGE: Free shipping
Full shipping information can be found on our Delivery & Returns page.