Posthuman Buddhism and the Digital Self: The Production of Dwellspace

In Posthuman Buddhism and the Digital Self, Les Roberts explores the concept of 'dwellspace' as a means to unpick the shifting spatial, temporal, and experiential modalities of everyday mediascapes. He argues that the colonization of 'empty time' by 24/7 digital capitalism has gone hand-in-hand with the growth of the corporate mindfulness industry, and the co-option, commodification, and digitization of dwellspace. The book explores the dialectics of dwellspace that orbits around a creative self-praxis rooted in the negation and dissolution of the self, one of the foundational cornerstones of Buddhist theory and practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his groundbreaking work, Posthuman Buddhism and the Digital Self, Les Roberts expands his earlier exploration of spatial anthropology to delve into the realms of time, spaciousness, and the phenomenology of the self. Spanning four main chapters, ranging from David Bowie's longstanding interest in Buddhism to street photography of 1980s Liverpool, ambient soundscapes of Derek Jarman's Blue, and the slow, contemplative cinema of Tsai Ming-Liang, Roberts establishes the groundwork for the concept of "dwellspace" as a means to unravel the ever-shifting spatial, temporal, and experiential modalities of everyday media landscapes.

Drawing upon a Pascalian reflection on the self/non-self, Roberts' foray into dwellspace unfolds as a contemplation on being content in an empty room, juxtaposed with the demands of being content in an empty room. Through the lens of posthuman Buddhism, Roberts initiates a series of interconnected inquiries that rekindle focus on issues of boredom, distraction, and reverie, while also highlighting the psychosocial and creative advantages of ambience, spaciousness, and slowness.

The book makes a compelling argument that the colonization of "empty time" by 24/7 digital capitalism has gone hand in hand with the growth of the corporate mindfulness industry. This, in turn, has led to the co-option, commodification, and digitization of dwellspace. Posthuman Buddhism, therefore, represents a profound exploration of the dialectics of dwellspace, revolving around a creative self-praxis that is rooted in the negation and dissolution of the self, one of the fundamental pillars of Buddhist theory and practice.

By examining the interplay between time, space, and the self, Roberts offers a thought-provoking perspective on the contemporary human experience. Through his meticulous analysis and insightful observations, he challenges us to reevaluate our relationship with technology, media, and the surrounding environment. Posthuman Buddhism and the Digital Self is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of human consciousness, the nature of reality, and the potential for spiritual growth in the digital age.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367147785