Stephen Batchelor

Stephen Batchelor was a buddhist monk in the Tibetan and Zen traditions for ten years. Known for his agnostic and secular approach to the buddhadharma, he has written several books, including the bestselling Buddhism Without Beliefs.

His latest book, Confession of a Buddhist Atheist, came out in March 2010.

Stephen lives in France with his wife Martine Batchelor and teaches seminars and leads meditation retreats worldwide.

In December 2004, he spoke in Wellington at the National Library Auditorium on the topic of his book, Living with the Devil: A Meditation on Good and Evil, and followed that by teaching at a residential retreat together with Martine. This talk is available on a DVD that can be purchased from http://www.wimc.org.nz/?page_id=60

More recently, a series of recorded talks by Stephen formed the basis of a study course in Wellington, along with his virtual presence on the first and final evenings, with a second course taking place during October and November 2007.

He is currently writing a novel on the Buddha’s life based on canonical and commentarial materials in the Pali language.

Upcoming Events

Stephen will be back in New Zealand in February 2012 to teach at a retreat with Martine in Otaki and give a public talk in Wellington. Their 2012 visit is being coordinated by Derek LeDayn 021 355 225 or send an email.

Their programme can be found at http://www.abet.net.nz/batchelor-2012/

Stephen & Martine’s travel costs

Your generosity is sought! Contributing towards Stephen and Martine’s travel costs will reduce the cost of their retreats, making their teachings more accessible to more New Zealanders.

You can make donations through Aotearoa Buddhist Education Trust. To find out how, visit http://www.abet.net.nz/batchelor-2012/.

Resources

Some of his more recent talks are available online at
http://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/169

In April 2009, Stephen gave a talk in London entitled "The Lay Buddhist" which is available for download from
http://www.londoninsightmeditation.org.uk/resources/audio-downloads/

Some talks he gave in New Mexico in October 2009 are available for download from
http://www.abqsangha.org/recordings.html

There are also ten downloadable MP3 talks by Stephen available online at http://www.audiodharma.org/talks/StephenBatchelor.html

About

There are a number of communities and individuals who practise insight meditation, as well as people who teach it, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This website lets you know who they are and where they can be found, as well as where you can find sitting groups, learn to meditate, and sign up for retreats.

Contact the community or person nearest to you to find out more.

A Thought for Today

In this fathom long body, with its perceptions and consciousness, is the arising and ceasing of the entire universe.

— The Buddha