Great Disciples of the Buddha

Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacies

By: Hellmuth Hecker, Nyanaponika Thera, Bikkhu Bodhi

Narrated by: William Hope, Nicolette McKenzie, Ratnadhya

Twenty-four of the Buddha's most distinguished disciples are brought to life in ten chapters of rich narration. They include monks who were very close to him throughout his life, including Sariputta and Mahamoggallana; his cousin and companion Ananda; his principal women disciples, including the nun Isidasi and his lay disciple, the courtesan Ambapali; and the serial killer Angulimala, whose character was transformed after meeting the Buddha.

Drawn from a wide range of authentic Pali sources, the material in these stories has never before been assembled in a single volume. Through these engaging tales - incorporating both historical material and myth - we meet all manner of human beings - rich, poor, male, female, young, old - whose unique stories are told with an eye to the details of ordinary human concerns.

When heard with careful attention, these stories can sharpen our understanding of the Buddhist path by allowing us to contemplate the living portraits of the people who fulfilled the early Buddhist ideals of human perfection. Other characters include the nuns Nanda and Visakha and the monks Anuruddha and Mahakaccana.

Great Disciples of the Buddha allows the listener to easily place each student in the larger picture of Buddha's life and provides a glimpse into the lives and personalities of those who lived, knew and followed the Buddha as he walked the paths of India 2,500 years ago, teaching wherever he went.

©2003 Bhikkhu Bodhi (P)2016 Ukemi Productions Ltd

A MUST READ

This is an absolute must read for those interested in Buddhism.
I had started the book about a year ago, but did not get far into it and put it away for a later date.
Meanwhile I bought the physical book and listening and reading simultaneously worked well.
It definitely is a book I will refer to at intervals.
The narrators were excellent. An interesting note: the chapter:”Great Women Disciples of the Buddha”,
is narrated by a female.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND spending a credit on this very informative book.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Great book on the life of many disciples as it has been passed down to us

Covers ordained disciples and lay disciples of both genders. A great inspiring listen. Loved in particular the chapters on Sariputta, Ananda, Anathapindika and the one on a variety of female lay disciples.

Revelations

A new level of clarifications, especially Regarding development of the 6th sence, and the four Noble Truths within their historical context.

Align with these Dhamma-followers.

Examples for us all. Meditate. Strive. Forgive. Awaken. namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa

the new details i had not heard before.

nice narrator, interesting stories and details. well written and with many details. well balanced in storytelling and details.

India's next top arahant

Best reality tv not on tv. Was not expecting Mahamogalala to turn out as an action hero. Angulimala redemption story was also very pleasant and musical. Plato speaks of great men having "the music". All these Bhikkus and their tales carry that harmony.

Wonderful insights into the disciples

I really enjoyed this book. Now these people are no longer just empty names. Thank you for making this so easily accessible.

So grateful for these teachings!

This inspiring collection of stories about the Buddhist disciples delivered much more than I could ever have asked for. My understanding is deepened and my heart gladdened by these teachings. This book is great support for any traveler on the path. Sadhu. Sadhu. Sadhu.

Very Good.

Great performance. Great Writing. Great Introduction. Very good Overall I recommend very much.
Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu.

Beautiful stories of Buddhism's earliest heroes

Loved it. The narration changes often enough to prevent narrator fatigue. The book is an absolute joy for any westerner interested in the early years of the Dhamma.