What is this?: Ancient questions for modern minds
Dive into the profound practice of radical questioning with Martine and Stephen Batchelor, drawing from their insightful talks during a 2016 Sŏn retreat. This volume illuminates how the timeless wisdom of Korean Buddhism offers a direct path to inquiry, applicable to anyone navigating the complexities of contemporary life. Discover how these ancient methods seamlessly integrate with scientific understanding, Western philosophy, and poetic insights, serving as both a philosophical companion and a practical manual for cultivating a fully engaged human experience in our intricate world.
Praise for this book
“What an enlightening little book! This book is rich with revelations in how mindfulness can transform the ordinary activities of daily life into the 'everyday sublime'. As Stephen and Martine warmly guide the reader through a Sŏn retreat it comes to life on the page.”
“In this practical and inspirational guide to Buddhist practice, Martine and Stephen Batchelor distill a lifetime of personal experience in, and scholarly study of, two distinct types of Buddhist meditation: mindfulness and Zen 'questioning'. Their unique combination of these distinct techniques illustrates how bringing a Zen questioning dimension to mindfulness training can deepen the insight dimension of mindfulness practice and enhance concentration during questioning meditation.”
“This marvellously readable little book will tell you all you need to know about meditation. A transcription of talks from a Sŏn (Korean Zen) retreat, it focuses mainly on the practice of questioning - meditation on the question 'What is this?' is a key practice in Sŏn. Stephen and Martine's lovely words cover the entire ground of meditation practice and its applications to living. An elegant and down-to-earth book by two of our best western Buddhist teachers.”
📝 Description: What is this?: Ancient questions for modern minds
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers seeking a practical yet profound guide to navigating the complexities of modern existence will find immense value in this text. It is ideal for those interested in integrating ancient Sŏn inquiry with scientific understanding and Western philosophy. By engaging with Martine Batchelor’s insights, individuals can cultivate a fully engaged human experience that challenges conventional assumptions. This book serves as both a philosophical companion and a practical manual, offering tools to confront contemporary life with radical questioning. It appeals to those who wish to explore timeless wisdom without sacrificing intellectual rigor or poetic insight.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Martine Batchelor offers a compelling fusion of Korean Buddhist Sŏn retreats and modern existential challenges. The text effectively maps ancient methods onto contemporary scientific and philosophical frameworks, providing a robust framework for radical inquiry. However, this approach may not suit readers seeking traditional religious dogma or those who prefer straightforward spiritual advice over dense philosophical integration. It is best appreciated by those comfortable with abstract concepts and interdisciplinary synthesis. While intellectually stimulating, the lack of narrative plot might deter readers looking for a more conventional memoir style. Ultimately, it stands as a rigorous manual for the intellectually curious seeker.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you seek a profound, non-dogmatic approach to self-inquiry and wish to integrate ancient wisdom with modern challenges, this book is for you. It's an essential guide for anyone curious about Sŏn Buddhism, secular spirituality, or simply living more consciously in a complex world.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
The Practice of Radical Inquiry
The Batchelors guide readers through the core Sŏn (Zen) practice of 'What is this?', an experiential method of inquiry that transcends intellectual understanding. This approach is presented not as a mere philosophical exercise, but as a dynamic tool for directly engaging with one's immediate experience and challenging preconceived notions of reality.
Bridging Ancient and Modern
This book masterfully demonstrates how a thousand-year-old Buddhist tradition can find profound resonance with contemporary thought. It draws unexpected connections between Sŏn's insights and findings in natural sciences, classical Western philosophy, the emotive power of Romantic poetry, and the foundational teachings of early Buddhism, creating a rich tapestry of understanding.
Living a Fully Human Life
Far from abstract theory, the teachings presented here are deeply rooted in the practical challenge of human existence. The authors offer a framework for using Sŏn inquiry as a means to respond skillfully and meaningfully to the complexities of modern life, empowering readers to confront their personal and societal challenges with clarity and presence.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Sŏn
- Chan
- Radical Questioning
📔 Questions to reflect on
- Reflect on a situation in your life where you felt stuck. How might approaching it with the question, 'What is this?' shift your perspective or response?
- Consider how a concept from science, philosophy, or art has illuminated your understanding of consciousness. Where do you see parallels with the Sŏn approach to direct experience?
- Identify a deeply held belief or assumption you possess. What happens when you mentally hold it up and simply ask, 'What is this, truly?' without seeking an answer?
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