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Buddhism for Beginners

By: Thubten Chodron,His Holiness the Dalai Lama - foreword
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
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Publisher's Summary

This user’s guide to Buddhist basics takes the most commonly asked questions - beginning with “What is the essence of the Buddha’s teachings?” - and provides simple answers in plain English. Thubten Chodron’s responses to the questions that always seem to arise among people approaching Buddhism make this an exceptionally complete and accessible introduction - as well as a manual for living a more peaceful, mindful, and satisfying Life. Buddhism for Beginners is an ideal first book on the subject for anyone, but it’s also a wonderful resource for seasoned students, since the question-and-answer format makes it easy to find just the topic you’re looking for, such as:

  • What is the goal of the Buddhist path?
  • What is karma?
  • If all phenomena are empty, does that mean nothing exists?
  • How can we deal with fear?
  • How do I establish a regular meditation practice?
  • What are the qualities I should look for in a teacher?
  • What is Buddha-nature?
  • Why can't we remember our past lives?

©2001 Thubten Chodron (P)2014 Audible Inc.

What listeners say about Buddhism for Beginners

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Calming narrator.

Voice of narrator is very calming and perfectly fits the theme of this book.
I found this book informative yet easy to understand. I will be sure to listen to it more than once!

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2 people found this helpful

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shadu shadu shadu 🙏 🌷🙏🌷🙏🌷

loved it just what I was looking for this is really helpful and insightful Om Mani Padme Hum 🙏🌷🙏🌷🙏🌷

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A great explanation

I enjoyed this book because it covered all of the main points but also provided many points to leap off if you have a particular. The basic were answered comprehensively.

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Bloody good read

I like the whole Buddhist philosophy it is full of love and compassion for others

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Objective or Subjective.

Interesting. Informative. Historical. Neither objective nor subjective. Parable like. A tool that can be sharpened.

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Great insights for someone who knew nothing

Really liked the book and the readers voice. I learnt a lot and would recommend to anyone who knew nothing like me

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definitely recommend

I benefitted profoundly listening to this, I enjoy listening things that challenge the way I think and view things

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Excellent and clear explanation of Buddhism

This is a wonderful book about Buddhism, beautifully narrated. It was a great help to my practice.

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Decent start

a light beginning to learning many of the principles however while it may tell you "remaining unattached" is a Buddhist philosophy it does not give practical means on how to adapt many of the philosophies it details, meaning additional books will need to be read to begin adopting what you learn here

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Excellent introduction to philosophy & practice

Easy to listen to.
Avoids most of the big words of Buddhism and the academic discussions.
Quite a lot of the content is Q&A which therefore covers a lot of the typical questions of a beginner.
Excellent introduction for the layperson.

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