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The Art of Solitude

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The Art of Solitude

By: Stephen Batchelor
Narrated by: Stephen Batchelor
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About this listen

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 book shows how to enjoy the inescapable solitude that is at the heart of human life.

©2020 Stephen Batchelor (P)2020 Yale Press Audio Biographies & Memoirs Buddhism Eastern Spirituality

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A journey to find solitude

I like Stephen Batchelor's books on Buddhism very much, but this is something different. It recounts Batchelor's journey to find solitude, through philosophical forays, especially into Montaigne, which persuades me to investigate Montaigne further. He also describes his use of psychedelics to understand himself and how solitude is the inevitable outcome of real understanding - even when among others.

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Wonderful and Profound.

I have listened and re:listened to this book over a number of years, gleaning a deeper and rewarding understanding of solitude and respect and gratitude to Stephen for his wonderful articulation and wisdom.

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