Stephen Batchelor

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...

Rattle through 1000 years of horrible history, from the fifth century to the sixteenth century Famine, plague, and public execution – the medieval period wasn't the best time for some, but heroic rulers like Charlemagne, William the Conqueror, and Henry V made sure that it was full of action. Brimming with facts, this book helps you get under the skin...

The civilisation of the Ancient Greeks has been immensely influential on the language, politics, educational systems, philosophy, science, and arts of Western culture. As well as establishing itself as the birthplace of the Olympics, Ancient Greece is famous for its literature, philosophy, mythology, and beautiful architecture, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. This entertaining guide introduces readers to the...

A renowned Buddhist teacher turns to two of the most influential figures in history for guidance on how to face the ethical challenges of our time. Although they never met, Socrates and the Buddha were almost exact contemporaries. Each addressed, in a radically new and surprisingly similar way, the core questions of how to lead a good, just, and dignified...

What is this? Ancient questions for modern minds presents talks given by Martine and Stephen Batchelor during a Sŏn (Chan/Zen) retreat in England in 2016. Leading us through the practice of radical questioning at the heart of this Korean Buddhist tradition, the authors show how anyone at all can benefit from this form of radical inquiry today. These talks demonstrate...

A renowned Buddhist teacher’s magnum opus, based on his fresh reading of the tradition’s earliest texts Some twenty-five centuries after the Buddha started teaching, his message continues to inspire people across the globe, including those living in predominantly secular societies. What does it mean to adapt religious practices to secular contexts? Stephen Batchelor, an internationally known author and teacher, is...

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,...