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The Naked Buddha

A Practical Guide to the Buddha's Life and Teachings
By: Venerable Adrienne Howley
Narrated by: Deidre Rubenstein
Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
4.5 out of 5 stars (4 ratings)
Non-member price: $35.50
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Publisher's Summary

Buddhism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia. For the many people who are interested in learning more about it, here is a primer on Buddhism and Buddhist practice written in a deceptively simple manner, with an engaging, gentle humor and flavor. Adrienne Howley's purpose is to demystify Buddhism, stripping away the layers of ritual and iconography that have grown up around it over the centuries, and to present the original, basic tenets and practices in a way that will be appealing to Western readers.
©1999, 2002, and 2003 Venerable Adrienne Howley (P)2005 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.

Critic Reviews

"A streamlined, appealing primer for everything you wanted to know about Buddhism but were afraid to ask." (Publishers Weekly)

What members say

Average Customer Ratings

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Audible.com.au reviews
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Audible.co.uk reviews
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Good read

very practical guide. Worth reading over and over and over again. lots of hidden gems

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    5 out of 5 stars

Bouddhisme in plain english and concise

Buddhism is more about spiritually than religion. The book is spoken lively and use every day language to present the basics precepts of Buddhism and the main variances between Indian, Tibetan and Japanese. If you are looking for a concise introduction this it.

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Perfection

written perfectly and narrated the same I can't express how happy I am with this book.
will listen to again and I hope there's another novel

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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Greg
  • 19-02-2008

A very good place to start

I have always been interested in Buddhism and found this audio book to be an excellent introduction to future study. The narration is done well and I found it very easy to pay attention to. Perhaps most helpful is the list of questions she answers at the end that most beginners would have. To her, Buddhism is not a religion but a way of looking at the world. It is completely compatible with other religions. If you are just curious about Buddhism, this is a good place to start.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Gail
  • 25-05-2008

Excellent intro to Buddhism

This was exactly what I was looking for. Being new to Buddhism I was confused by all of the available literature on this subject and was looking for what I now consider to be an a wonderfully, unfettered introduction to what Buddhism really is and what it means for me. It has given me more confidence in my pursuit to understand Buddhism and myself.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Kevin Filiatrault
  • 12-07-2007

Good listen

I liked her approach. Clear and simple, yet still enough depth to give a good idea what it's all about.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

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  • Oregon Coast Gal
  • 22-08-2009

Very Enlightening!

I found this book interesting and informative. Delivered in a light-hearted and honest manner that the narrator captures very well!
I recommend this audiobook!







4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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  • David
  • 29-09-2011

I have listening to this book at least three times

Very good listen, the narrator’s voice is lovely and captivating. The story of this Buddhist Nun is very fascinating and her insight and wisdom has been immensely helpful in my new journey into the Buddhist philosophy. Great for those that are just starting to travel the path of the Buddha. She is very simple and matter of fact, states her wisdom plainly and clearly, yet holds your interest to a high level. I have listening to this book at least three times, every time finding new insight and great wisdom.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sacha
  • 01-09-2009

Excellent

I loved listening to this book in the car. It really felt like the narrator was beside me having a conversation, although onesided. The book really explains buddhism is an understandable manner. The narrator's voice was very interesting and she really read with passion. I will listen to this again soon.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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  • Sam Motes
  • 12-03-2013

I am not the same person who read the book

The Naked Buddha is a very approachable introduction to the history and philosophies of the Buddha. I found the discussion of the non-permanence to be a very interesting perspective. I had heard the saying that you never step into the same river twice but this book explained all the changing events beyond our perception that ensure a constant flux to our reality. The author does a good job of explaining the virtues of meditation as well. Very worthwhile read!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Anomoly
  • 04-07-2010

I loved this book

This is a book that you read... and then you read it again. If your new to the subject and interested in a great overview, this is the book for you. The narrator is great in this one also, stop wasting time and get this book!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Thomas
  • 16-10-2009

Wish it didn't end

I can't find one thing that I don't love about this book. The narrator has the perfect voice for this book, which is very well written and non assuming. Whether your are or are not a Buddhist, you should listen to this book. I have studied Buddhism for years but still learned some wonderful things from this book! Excellent!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
  • david d.
  • 30-08-2006

Good Listen.

You can't go wrong with this download. Good Listen.

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

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  • Dawn
  • 18-01-2014

Refreshing, a females journey.

If you could sum up The Naked Buddha in three words, what would they be?

This book is about the journey of a female Dali Lama. Her views on her personal journey is enlightening, right up to what she does now. A very easy, peaceful listen. I would recommend.

What other book might you compare The Naked Buddha to, and why?

Similar to the Dali Lamas journey.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

When she left and started teaching in other countries, as not to scare people she grew her hair !

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I have listened to this book three times.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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  • Diane
  • 07-03-2017

Nightmare

Dreadful author talks about herself far too much one I will delete as is was painful to listen to.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Chris Coward
  • 04-05-2015

Practical explanations of Buddhist philosophy.

I enjoyed this book. I found it to be interesting and refreshingly down to earth (i.e. no quasi superstitious gumf) in its explanation of the teachings of the Buddha. In addition the narration was clear and engaging.