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Buddhism

By: Malcolm David Eckel, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Malcolm David Eckel
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Publisher's Summary

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

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Fascinating summary of Buddhist History.

I was enthralled by each lecture as Professor Eckel took us through each stage of the story of Buddhism. The Professor is an excellent presenter. His enthusiasm for the topic is evident through his lively style and wonderful story telling. I felt privileged to hear these lectures, delivered by someone with such a thorough knowledge of the subject. First class!

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Just average

Had to listen to this book at 1.25x speed, otherwise it is toooo slow reading.
Narrator laughs sarcastically at Buddhist beliefs and traditions and events which makes those important things look trivial or untrue.
Could not finish listening the book! Will look for better alternative on Buddhism.
The series of lectures tries to cover a lot about Buddhism though which is appreciable.

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