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Buddhism began with Gotama the Buddha in the sixth century BCE and has developed two chief forms. Theravada (or Hinayana) is found especially in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand; Mahayana is found in Japan, China, Korea, and Indochina. Zen, a more recent form of Buddhism, is found throughout the world. Some believe Buddhism is not properly understood as a religion, though this presentation describes its religious a belief in transcendent reality, sacred scriptures, monastic life, and views on an afterlife and the goal of human existence. The Religion, Scriptures, and Spirituality series describes the beliefs, religious practices, and spiritual and moral commitments of the world's great religious traditions. It also describes a religion's way of understanding scripture, identifies its outstanding thinkers, and discusses its attitude and relationship to society.
Audio CD
First published September 15, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 25, 2019
As far as content and structure are concerned, this is probably one of the better introductory books on Buddhism I’ve encountered. You get a good feeling for the development of legend of the Buddha and how, over the centuries, the religious/philosophical system grew and eventually divided into the numerous sects we see today.
The only gripe I really have is the intrusion of other voice actors into Sir Ben Kingsley’s gig. Whenever there’s a quotation from another source or a bit of dialogue, someone else cuts In and disrupts the flow. Not a huge thing but worth mentioning. Otherwise this is a quick primer, for those who are interested.
The only gripe I really have is the intrusion of other voice actors into Sir Ben Kingsley’s gig. Whenever there’s a quotation from another source or a bit of dialogue, someone else cuts In and disrupts the flow. Not a huge thing but worth mentioning. Otherwise this is a quick primer, for those who are interested.
May 21, 2016
very interesting and worthwhile introduction and overview
it's in 3 1-hour sections -- and I really recommend listening in hour-long chunks, otherwise it's really overwhelming
**narration by Ben Kingsley + other voice actors
MP3 -- app 3hrs
it's in 3 1-hour sections -- and I really recommend listening in hour-long chunks, otherwise it's really overwhelming
**narration by Ben Kingsley + other voice actors
MP3 -- app 3hrs
April 24, 2018
Over 2000 years of history to cover, the audio spans major concepts from the Pali canon for the first half, then barrels through the historical development. In such a condensed form, it enables the student to grasp the essentials of early Buddhism, while giving enough hints for areas to explore through the Mahayana tradition for differences.
After the introduction to basic Buddhist tenets, quotations from various texts purported to be spoken by the Buddha, and short discussions regarding friction within the early group around the Buddha, the audio dives directly into several teachings, echoed over time, and place from when the Buddha banned females from entering the monastic life--asserting that living the mendicant life for women would create social disorder. When the Buddha did finally concede that since a woman can achieve Buddhahood, than she should be permitted into the life, he laid down severe rules, not the least of which is that a woman, no matter her seniority, is subordinate to a man. This form remains common in Southeast Asia.
Many German converts are quoted to explain these concepts so that a Westerner might understand.
Despite direct comments from the Buddha regarding the meaning and scope of being a Buddha, the term, and stories around it, expanded as the snowball that is time, and blending cultures want to do. Broadly, the are humans that have attained great levels, like a god; living long, yet, will eventually die and subject to the cycle of karma, death, and birth.
From there, Buddhism devalued rituals to the gods, and thereby the priests, and the sacrifices given to them. Seeing Brahamanic gods as subservient to the Buddha, often as servants to the Buddha. Emphasizing inner work, and individual, personal sacrifice. Concurrently, the Buddha was elevated to the highest god status.
Tackling the Buddhist concept of 'No Self',the five aggregate parts of the human, then what parts reincarnates.
The Four Great Illimitables, qualities of which there can never be too much: Loving-kindness, compassion, joy in the joy of others, and equanimity. A calm, and impartial love of all.
Path of Enlightenment to the status of an arhat/ arahat, three aspects: Sila- morality, Samadhi- concentrated meditation to a single point, Pana (?)- liberated insight.
Nirvana covered in its broadest sense.
An hour and a half into the audio, there is deeper discussion regarding the political, and social changes, still focusing on the Theravada expression of Buddhism
The first example is the influence of Asoka on statecraft, cultural changes and welfare measures such as public baths, outlaw of wild game hunting, and kindness to servants. He became the model of Buddhist sovereign, his statecraft was considered an ideal.
Then contributions of the Greeks as brought by Alexander the Great in fourth century BCE, which left Greco-Indian kingdoms that affected particularly the iconography in the northeast appearing in the 2 and 3rd centuries CE. Previously was largely bas-relief, Buddha with the wheel of the dharma, or footprints, or stupas that have Buddha relics. Vast majority of statues were seated ones.
Spread across much of north, and central, then to central Asia, and Tibet. In the end, it disappeared with few remaining traces in India, largely because of the transformation of Hinduism when it gave way to more devotional forms- leaving Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu, and new concentration on inner attitudes. Also the competition from the Jain tradition with its total ahimsa. Muslim destruction with Muslim invasions in the 10th century CE razing many Buddhist centers.
Moving to central Asia, then China, Korea, and Japan to witness how Buddhism evolved into Mahayana. For the sake of simplicity, and understanding, comparisons between Judaism, and Christianity are made as it expands upon many ideas of the Pali texts. Buddhas come to Earth to save men from their passions, from the ills of samsara.
Lotus [as a lotus comes up from the mud, it is as symbol of purity in a defiling world] Sutra (3rd of 4th century CE, translated into Chinese in the 4th and 5th centuries) became the most influential scripture in Mahayana. Describes a much grander universe. The main thrust of Mahayana was to expand and reinterpret the old Buddhist doctrines, such as, demoted the arahat, henceforth it was seen as selfish and limited-- Buddhahood is the goal.
Bodhisattva one who delays Nirvana so as to bring others to it. Mahayana made this the goal. Theravada Buddhism structured it so that the monk was the ideal, thus a person would want to reincarnate as a monk. With the Bodhisattva, anyone could take the vow for benevolence; self-giving in the ordinary world. Freedom is here, and now, acting in full compassion for all beings.
Following a terse description of the Heavens, which are far below in greatness from Nirvana, and the Hells which are very long periods of time. Buddhists do not believe in an absolute beginning to these world systems; these cycles of existence are said to always exist as they have always existed.
Tibetan Buddhism is a side current because of how isolated it is, geographically, and historically. First monastery was 787. For two hundred years the Buddhists persecuted the native Bon religion. Tantra as a means to use Desire to achieve Enlightenment.
Mandala as map of the universe, bringing in the Universe into the ritual. Also a psychogram, in that it is a map of the mind; symbols to reach consciousness. Mantra as sacred syllables; used quite often in Tibetan Buddhism. The teaching of the process of dying, is the Bardo-- they confront various shapes, such as demons, gods, and Bodhisattva- the person's own inner traits. A gradual transition to a new life, that can last seven days; ensuring a safe passage to a new and good existence.
A fast survey of Japanese sects of Buddhism such as Shingon (esoteric), Nara, Zen, Pure Land (Shin), Nichiren, and Tendai, and the absorption of the kami as manifestations of the Buddha, his helpers.
The last 10 minutes cram on the 20th century with its various shifts in consciousness regarding social responsibility, and how the West has absorbed its ideas.
After the introduction to basic Buddhist tenets, quotations from various texts purported to be spoken by the Buddha, and short discussions regarding friction within the early group around the Buddha, the audio dives directly into several teachings, echoed over time, and place from when the Buddha banned females from entering the monastic life--asserting that living the mendicant life for women would create social disorder. When the Buddha did finally concede that since a woman can achieve Buddhahood, than she should be permitted into the life, he laid down severe rules, not the least of which is that a woman, no matter her seniority, is subordinate to a man. This form remains common in Southeast Asia.
Many German converts are quoted to explain these concepts so that a Westerner might understand.
Despite direct comments from the Buddha regarding the meaning and scope of being a Buddha, the term, and stories around it, expanded as the snowball that is time, and blending cultures want to do. Broadly, the are humans that have attained great levels, like a god; living long, yet, will eventually die and subject to the cycle of karma, death, and birth.
From there, Buddhism devalued rituals to the gods, and thereby the priests, and the sacrifices given to them. Seeing Brahamanic gods as subservient to the Buddha, often as servants to the Buddha. Emphasizing inner work, and individual, personal sacrifice. Concurrently, the Buddha was elevated to the highest god status.
Tackling the Buddhist concept of 'No Self',the five aggregate parts of the human, then what parts reincarnates.
The Four Great Illimitables, qualities of which there can never be too much: Loving-kindness, compassion, joy in the joy of others, and equanimity. A calm, and impartial love of all.
Path of Enlightenment to the status of an arhat/ arahat, three aspects: Sila- morality, Samadhi- concentrated meditation to a single point, Pana (?)- liberated insight.
Nirvana covered in its broadest sense.
An hour and a half into the audio, there is deeper discussion regarding the political, and social changes, still focusing on the Theravada expression of Buddhism
The first example is the influence of Asoka on statecraft, cultural changes and welfare measures such as public baths, outlaw of wild game hunting, and kindness to servants. He became the model of Buddhist sovereign, his statecraft was considered an ideal.
Then contributions of the Greeks as brought by Alexander the Great in fourth century BCE, which left Greco-Indian kingdoms that affected particularly the iconography in the northeast appearing in the 2 and 3rd centuries CE. Previously was largely bas-relief, Buddha with the wheel of the dharma, or footprints, or stupas that have Buddha relics. Vast majority of statues were seated ones.
Spread across much of north, and central, then to central Asia, and Tibet. In the end, it disappeared with few remaining traces in India, largely because of the transformation of Hinduism when it gave way to more devotional forms- leaving Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu, and new concentration on inner attitudes. Also the competition from the Jain tradition with its total ahimsa. Muslim destruction with Muslim invasions in the 10th century CE razing many Buddhist centers.
Moving to central Asia, then China, Korea, and Japan to witness how Buddhism evolved into Mahayana. For the sake of simplicity, and understanding, comparisons between Judaism, and Christianity are made as it expands upon many ideas of the Pali texts. Buddhas come to Earth to save men from their passions, from the ills of samsara.
Lotus [as a lotus comes up from the mud, it is as symbol of purity in a defiling world] Sutra (3rd of 4th century CE, translated into Chinese in the 4th and 5th centuries) became the most influential scripture in Mahayana. Describes a much grander universe. The main thrust of Mahayana was to expand and reinterpret the old Buddhist doctrines, such as, demoted the arahat, henceforth it was seen as selfish and limited-- Buddhahood is the goal.
Bodhisattva one who delays Nirvana so as to bring others to it. Mahayana made this the goal. Theravada Buddhism structured it so that the monk was the ideal, thus a person would want to reincarnate as a monk. With the Bodhisattva, anyone could take the vow for benevolence; self-giving in the ordinary world. Freedom is here, and now, acting in full compassion for all beings.
Following a terse description of the Heavens, which are far below in greatness from Nirvana, and the Hells which are very long periods of time. Buddhists do not believe in an absolute beginning to these world systems; these cycles of existence are said to always exist as they have always existed.
Tibetan Buddhism is a side current because of how isolated it is, geographically, and historically. First monastery was 787. For two hundred years the Buddhists persecuted the native Bon religion. Tantra as a means to use Desire to achieve Enlightenment.
Mandala as map of the universe, bringing in the Universe into the ritual. Also a psychogram, in that it is a map of the mind; symbols to reach consciousness. Mantra as sacred syllables; used quite often in Tibetan Buddhism. The teaching of the process of dying, is the Bardo-- they confront various shapes, such as demons, gods, and Bodhisattva- the person's own inner traits. A gradual transition to a new life, that can last seven days; ensuring a safe passage to a new and good existence.
A fast survey of Japanese sects of Buddhism such as Shingon (esoteric), Nara, Zen, Pure Land (Shin), Nichiren, and Tendai, and the absorption of the kami as manifestations of the Buddha, his helpers.
The last 10 minutes cram on the 20th century with its various shifts in consciousness regarding social responsibility, and how the West has absorbed its ideas.
April 7, 2019
Well done intro to buddhism—he puts a lot into a little space, but it’s not overwhelming. The initial development is through a brief but sufficient biography of the Buddha; the rest essentially follows the historical development and geographic spread of Buddhism as it interacted with various cultures and split into various schools / sects. I’d recommend this to anyone 14+ interested in understanding not only the basic beliefs, but also the place of the various Buddhist practices in the world and how they came to be.
January 24, 2017
Fascinating and engaging read! Excellent way to learn an overview picture of the history, rich traditions and expressions of the Buddhist faith.
September 5, 2022
My favorite Month lets me consider the aged of all topics and how things move through this concept called time to wonder how many religions catch on in the heart and minds of the followers. Do you ever wonder why people are prone to believe in such things from the stories of others passed on throughout the centuries and why do we not have the original documents... Well just like Catholism and THE CHURCH if they were to show the real documents created hundreds of years after the stories well who would really believe it well then we have to torture people to make them believe or lose their eyes, ears, skin, children and so the story of controlling the population continues right up to current times of blaming someone else for the torture of others. What is it really perhaps the inability to under and feel what another person really thinks or feels that separation of skin or souls perhaps. Why do most of our insights and advancements come from Mushrooms or Drug induced events. Why do people follow leaders who are addicts and hide the truth from the sheep?
Why are we really concerned with Russia stopping NAZI's in Ukraine doesn't everyone hate NAZIs, or at least brain washed society is supposed to hate them but you find the more well read the less that is true, but what is true, or truth and who determines it. I am sure you are saying well the winners tell the stories of history. Can you imagine if we found thousands of year old writing and could translate it in front of everyone right then and there not let it sit in an educational institution for years awaiting to be rediscovered and translated for the masses to follow. Where is that Gold? Why is gold so important why not crystals my own personal most valued item and not because of Star Trek ... too funny. Anyway I am leading you down one of those rabbit holes to thought trying to guide you to think about the passing of time and documents that have you believing something that has been without doubt or denial altered but what can be funny is the interpretation by some so far away from the original intent its funny but really very scary making me buy more locks for the doors wondering how can this happen on a daily bases. What if we never had the internet or tv to brain wash the multitudes or inform them of small military events then taking their time and money to send to the people now stealing all the SUPPORT well over 80Billion dollars when people cannot afford food because that same so called elected govt pays your hard earned time and tax money to other farmers not to farm and produce the food and yet the signs say to feed the poor stop hunger, make hunger a thing of the past but 'Man does not live on bread alone' as we find the more you eat the shorter your telomeres get. To far away from the Bread of Life for you to follow well all I can say is to read more read and read and read until you get to the understanding of the spaghetti I have woven or to a basic understanding of what His Struggle really said or what the Learned Leaders of Zion have shown in their history or perhaps the promise of Virgins will drive you to action or maybe you just think like Schopenhauer and decide to write your own thoughts without consideration of the thousands of years of information passed down because surely the only real thing that exist is pain!
Why are we really concerned with Russia stopping NAZI's in Ukraine doesn't everyone hate NAZIs, or at least brain washed society is supposed to hate them but you find the more well read the less that is true, but what is true, or truth and who determines it. I am sure you are saying well the winners tell the stories of history. Can you imagine if we found thousands of year old writing and could translate it in front of everyone right then and there not let it sit in an educational institution for years awaiting to be rediscovered and translated for the masses to follow. Where is that Gold? Why is gold so important why not crystals my own personal most valued item and not because of Star Trek ... too funny. Anyway I am leading you down one of those rabbit holes to thought trying to guide you to think about the passing of time and documents that have you believing something that has been without doubt or denial altered but what can be funny is the interpretation by some so far away from the original intent its funny but really very scary making me buy more locks for the doors wondering how can this happen on a daily bases. What if we never had the internet or tv to brain wash the multitudes or inform them of small military events then taking their time and money to send to the people now stealing all the SUPPORT well over 80Billion dollars when people cannot afford food because that same so called elected govt pays your hard earned time and tax money to other farmers not to farm and produce the food and yet the signs say to feed the poor stop hunger, make hunger a thing of the past but 'Man does not live on bread alone' as we find the more you eat the shorter your telomeres get. To far away from the Bread of Life for you to follow well all I can say is to read more read and read and read until you get to the understanding of the spaghetti I have woven or to a basic understanding of what His Struggle really said or what the Learned Leaders of Zion have shown in their history or perhaps the promise of Virgins will drive you to action or maybe you just think like Schopenhauer and decide to write your own thoughts without consideration of the thousands of years of information passed down because surely the only real thing that exist is pain!
July 31, 2019
That was quite interesting. It goes into the history of Buddhism's founding, how it branched out and a lot of concepts. It also gets into regional types, like Theravada in southeast Asia, Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese Buddhism.
I would've liked to read this in a print book, there were a few times I wanted to go back and reread something to wrap my mind around but that don't work super well on an audio book in the car but I still feel I got the basics.
I especially was interested in the discussion how the deities went from very important in Buddhism at the start to being de emphasized in favor of the Buddha's importance to the different roles they play in Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. Fascinating how the religion adapted to different areas and cultures like that.
And Ben Kingsley is an awesome narrator, he's just got a really cool voice. Kind of a shame how they brought in other people to read the quotations. But what are you gonna do?
I would've liked to read this in a print book, there were a few times I wanted to go back and reread something to wrap my mind around but that don't work super well on an audio book in the car but I still feel I got the basics.
I especially was interested in the discussion how the deities went from very important in Buddhism at the start to being de emphasized in favor of the Buddha's importance to the different roles they play in Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. Fascinating how the religion adapted to different areas and cultures like that.
And Ben Kingsley is an awesome narrator, he's just got a really cool voice. Kind of a shame how they brought in other people to read the quotations. But what are you gonna do?
December 22, 2020
Pretty interesting work. King does a good job of getting across the vastness and complexity of Buddhism. The differences between Buddhism and western religion are explained in a pretty digestible manner and some of the important philosophical considerations are told.
February 27, 2022
Wanted to read more about Buddhism and this book does a good job as an introductory book, discussing the recorded and unrecorded history of how Buddhism came to be. I wish only one narrator had read the book, the multiple narrators at times disrupts the flow.
March 15, 2018
Interesting but sometimes a bit dry and I found myself tuning out.
December 30, 2018
An entertaining overview of the trajectory and history of Buddhism. I’ve read a lot of Buddhist theory books, but this is the first about the actual history of it.
August 21, 2021
Awesome read with great information
January 28, 2022
This summary was really helpful.
I will probably listen to the audiobook again.
I will probably listen to the audiobook again.
February 10, 2022
A “white” survey of various Buddhist schools and some mythological stories.. skip this one without hesitation
January 10, 2024
Audio 🎧
April 7, 2025
A well presented overview.
November 23, 2025
Solid lil condensed history- can’t say I comprehended all of it, but got a good 50% or so. Not a bad place to start for some review.
February 7, 2013
Interesting...
August 15, 2014
A lot of historical facts packed into a short audiobook.
March 19, 2016
More proof that the real Buddha's teaching has been washed away in the tide of syncretism. Makes you wonder if the same thing happened to the original teachings of Jesus...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews