Beckett and Buddhism

Beckett and Buddhism explores the Buddhist resonances in Samuel Beckett's writing, tracing their origins to his early reading of Schopenhauer. Through letters, archives, and recent studies, the book charts Beckett's visions of the human predicament, comparing them to the negative and paradoxical path of the Buddha. Angela Moorjani offers insights from cognitive philosophy and science, highlighting creative emptiness and the illusory "I." This study provides a comprehensive exploration of one of the twentieth century's most acclaimed writers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Beckett and Buddhism, a twenty-first-century exploration, delves into the profound Buddhist resonances found in Samuel Beckett's writing. As Angela Moorjani reveals, these resonances trace back to Beckett's early engagement with the ideas of Schopenhauer. Through a meticulous examination of letters, archives, and recent studies of Buddhist thought, alongside Schopenhauer's understanding of it, the book charts the intricate Buddhist concepts that permeate Beckett's visions of the human predicament. This captivating journey blends tears and laughter, offering an in-depth elucidation of texts that intersect with the challenging and paradoxical path of the Buddha. Moorjani engages in a dialogue with Western thinking, shedding light on creative emptiness, the illusory "I," and Beckett's profound exploration of the writing process. This comprehensive study, spanning one of the twentieth century's most acclaimed writers, unveils the untapped topographies of his fiction, theatre, and poetry. By delving into these resonances, readers are invited to embark on a transformative journey into the depths of Beckett's profound and thought-provoking artistic expression.

ISBN-13: 9781009010917