Stephen Batchelor on Finding an Authentic Spiritual Path

Stephen Batchelor discusses his experiences on the spiritual path and the ideas in his book The Art of Solitude.

The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs and other books. At The Seekers Forum, topics related to creativity, spiritual practice, and ethical well-being are explored through writing and discussion. Find out more at https://theseekersforum.com

About Stephen Batchelor

Stephen Batchelor is s a contemporary Buddhist teacher and writer, best known for his secular, agnostic approach to spiritual life. Born in Scotland and ordained as monk in the Gelug tradition of Tibet, Batchelor is a radical in the dharma world who considers Buddhism to be a constantly evolving culture of awakening rather than a religious system based on immutable dogmas and beliefs. His secular Buddhism speaks to the mystery and vitality of spiritual life in every form, and emphasizes doubt and questioning as the critical parts of the seekers journey. Through his writings, translations and teaching, Batchelor engages in a critical exploration of Buddhism’s role in the modern world, which has earned him both condemnation as a heretic and praise as a reformer.

He is the translator and author of many books, including the bestselling Buddhism Without Beliefs, Living with the Devil: A Meditation on Good and Evil, The Faith to Doubt, After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age, and, most recently, The Art of Solitude. He lives in Southwest France with his wife and teaching partner, Martine, and leads spiritual retreats around the world.