What is this?: Ancient questions for modern minds

by Martine Batchelor, Stephen Batchelor

What is this? Ancient questions for modern minds presents talks given by Martine and Stephen Batchelor during a Son (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 clearly how a practice with origins in China a thousand years ago can meld with insights from the natural sciences, classical and modern western philosophy, Romantic poetry, and early Buddhism.

The reader can use this book as a companion in facing the challenge of living a fully human life in our complex contemporary world, or as a practice manual, or both.

Genres: Philosophy, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Meditation

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2019

Reviews

[Paul Feetham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a think (sic) of beauty

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read though some of the direct transcription from the retreat make for a read that isn't my cup of tea. The message is great though. Would recommend for the Zen curious.

[Eduardo Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sŏn practice injects curiosity into mindfulness. This is a term you don't really find in the early Buddhist tradition.

So much YES! This is the type of Buddhism that resonates with me: lean into wonder; integrate practice with a real-world life. Always question, including the “gurus.” Practice our morality, screw up, refine, do better. And do it with integrity, not as a mendicant: “what I enjoyed about training in a Sŏn monastery is that work is an integral part of the monastic life.”

A few tedious sections, mostly the language-game parts. Much that’s already familiar, but beautifully expressed so I loved it. I gained some insights that I’ve already included in my sitting practice, and some I hope to make part of my everyday real-world practice.

Highly recommended for Stoics and for those wishing to explore Buddhism without the reincarnation or follow-the-leader bullshit.

[Paul Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're currently using this book in a reading group I'm part of and thoroughly enjoying it.

The message is clear and concise, with a helpful mix of practice tips and historical context. And the chapters are of perfect length for a weekly book club.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of Stephen and Martine Batchelor's talks from a retreat at Gaia House. The subjects are wide-ranging, but all of the chapters are intelligent and thought provoking. Whatever your level of Buddhist study, there will be something to interest and challenge you.