Batchelor's project is bold and radical... He wants to rescue the Buddha from the supernatural and return him to history.
A lifelong Buddhist monk questions everything—and discovers a path that doesn’t require faith. Batchelor strips away supernatural beliefs to reveal Buddhism’s radical core: mindfulness, ethics, and compassion for skeptics and seekers alike. No leap of faith required, just honest questions.
$18.00
What happens when a lifelong Buddhist practitioner steps back and asks the hard questions? In this deeply personal exploration, Stephen Batchelor strips away centuries of religious veneer to uncover what the Buddha actually taught—and what it means to live those teachings without the comfort of faith.
This isn’t your typical spiritual memoir. Batchelor spent years as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, immersed himself in Korean Zen, and eventually found himself at a crossroads: could he embrace Buddhist philosophy while letting go of supernatural beliefs? The result is a refreshingly honest investigation into what Buddhism looks like when you remove reincarnation, karma as cosmic law, and the promise of nirvana.
What emerges is something both radical and remarkably grounded—a way of living that emphasizes ethical action, mindfulness, and compassion without requiring you to check your critical thinking at the door. Batchelor weaves together his own journey with historical detective work, tracing the Buddha’s path through ancient texts and asking what this wandering teacher from 2,500 years ago was really trying to tell us.
Perfect for skeptics curious about meditation, longtime practitioners questioning their path, or anyone interested in philosophy that meets the messy reality of human existence head-on. This is Buddhism for the rest of us—no leap of faith required, just an open mind and the courage to sit with difficult questions.
A thought-provoking read that pairs beautifully with a quiet corner and the sound of waves just beyond our door.
Batchelor's project is bold and radical... He wants to rescue the Buddha from the supernatural and return him to history.
A fresh and lively account of the Buddha's life and teachings... Batchelor brings the Buddha down to earth and makes his teachings accessible to 21st-century skeptics.
Batchelor's book is a brave and important contribution to contemporary Buddhist thought.
Fascinating... Batchelor's memoir is as much a detective story as it is a spiritual autobiography.
A compelling and beautifully written account of one man's search for meaning.
12 Perkins Cove Rd,
Ogunquit, ME 03907
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