Buddhism

By: Malcolm David Eckel, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Malcolm David Eckel

Buddhism has captivated many millions of people around the world, its vitality and adaptability enabling it to transform the civilizations of India, Southeast Asia, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan, and also become a lively component in the cultures of Europe, Australia, and the Americas. But have you ever wondered how a religion that doesn't even have a god could have accomplished this?

Now you have the opportunity to have your questions answered, as this series of 24 lectures by an award-winning teacher traces the history, principles, and evolution of a theology that is both familiar and foreign.

You'll learn the astonishing story of Siddhartha Gautama - who was to become the Buddha, or "enlightened one" - the Indian prince who abandoned wife, son, and a privileged life to seek the meaning of life and death, and whose "awakening" and subsequent teachings have since impacted the world as few others have.

And you'll learn what happened after his death, as his followers began to share his teachings about the "Four Noble Truths" and the "Path" to Enlightenment. You'll see how Buddhist beliefs underwent significant and even radical change, with different varieties of Buddhism having to take shape as those beliefs spread across India, Central Asia, China, Japan, and virtually every corner of the Western world, such as becoming more respectful of one's duties to family and ancestors in China or becoming reconciled with local deities in Japan.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2001 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2001 The Great Courses

Great introduction to Buddhism

I liked both the professor and the lectures. He maps the history and teachings across Asia and America. I recommend this course, I had a great time listening to it

Lovely to listen to

Through out the course professor Eckel tells a few person stories of his experiences of Buddhism and Buddhists, all of which are heart-warmingly endearing whilst still on topic and beneficial to the learning experience.

Many facets of Buddhism

Eckel makes it clear that there is a rich history and diversity of Buddhism around the world. Each society, culture, people, and nation has contributed to, and changed the nature of, Buddhism in unique ways. Because of the multi-faceted nature of this religion/way-of-life, the lectures indicate that there is much more one can learn.

So many things I did not know, clearly revealed in the lectures.

I've been curious about Buddism for 40 years after being introduced to a small book: the Prophet by Khalil Gibran. My time in college lead to a fascination with Japanese art, language and culture.
These lectures provide a wonderful introduction to the origination and history of the Religion and its with through time.
I have so much more to learn.

Informative, entertaining and personal

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Very informative lectures. The balance between being high level and providing too much information is well maintained. The author is clearly an expert on the subject, he draws from personal experience and tells us many anecdotes about his personal experience with Buddhism.

Informal and relaxed lecture style; very easy to listen to. I highly recommend this lecture series.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Buddhism?

He is very passionate about the subject.

Great listen

The instructor clearly has a passion for sharing Buddhism and putting it in lay terms. I'll definitely be revisiting this book/lecture series again!

Great introductions information

Gives a broad overview of Buddhism and it's varying schools of thought. Recommended for anyone with a casual interest in Buddhism.

Solid lecture series

A series of lectures dealing with the history and practice of Buddhism. The speaker is a professor from a college in Boston. He is engaging as well as passionate about the subject and you can really tell through the lectures and teachings. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Listen and Learn

Great instructor! The subject of Buddhism was explained in a way that way entertaining and informative.

Annoyed at having to write so much to give a review, but

The presentation is modest but steady and true. Well organized. Well worth the time. Word.