The Notion of Solitude in Pali Buddhist Literature: Finding a Space in the Crowd

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Indaka Weerasekera (Independent scholar, UK) Joshua Iyadurai (Marina Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Religion, India)

The Notion of Solitude in Pali Buddhist Literature

Finding a Space in the Crowd

Indaka Weerasekera (Independent scholar, UK), Joshua Iyadurai (Marina Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Religion, India)

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English

Bloomsbury Academic
27 June 2024

Buddhist sacred texts

Exploring how notions of solitude in Pali literature are encompassed in various literary forms, such as stock formulae, poetry, narrative, and imagery, this book includes close analysis of some of the most famous Buddhist verses about solitary practice.

Indaka Nishan Weerasekera considers how solitude is valued as one significant aspect of the Buddhist path, including how the imagery of landscape, especially the forest, serves to both inspire solitary practice as well as functions as a metaphor for meditation.

The author employs a cross-section of primary sources to explore the practical and psychological aspects of solitude in relation to Buddhist meditation, as well as relational/attitudinal concepts such as renunciation or desirelessness, independence, and self-reliance. This ‘lonely’ aspect of the Buddhist path sits alongside the ‘communal’ aspect of the Buddhist teachings. Together, they serve to maintain monastic harmony, while the ‘social’ aspect preserves monastic relations with wider society.

By: Indaka Weerasekera (Independent scholar UK), Joshua Iyadurai (Marina Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Religion, India)
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781350426061
ISBN 10: 1350426067
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 27 June 2024
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Indaka Nishan Weerasekera is an independent scholar of Buddhist Studies, UK.

Reviews for The Notion of Solitude in Pali Buddhist Literature: Finding a Space in the Crowd

In this beautifully written thematic study, Weerasekera shows how solitude in Theravada Buddhism becomes a solace found in many places – even in company. The therapeutic levels of being ‘alone’ include physical separation, the revivifying qualities of the natural world, meditation, and liberating seclusion, from one’s own past selves and hindrances. This work is both scholarly and restorative. * Sarah Shaw, Honorary Fellow, Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, UK *