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Title: Buddhism for Beginners

Subtitle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Author: Michael Harris

Narrator: Matt Haynes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-17-17

Publisher: Michael Harris

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Buddhism & Eastern Religions

Publisher's Summary:

Buddhism is a religion and dharma that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs, and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. Buddhism originated in Ancient India sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, from where it spread through much of Asia, whereafter it declined in India during the Middle Ages. Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by scholars: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion, with over 520 million followers or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists.

Buddhist schools vary on the exact nature of the path to liberation, the importance and canonicity of various teachings and scriptures, and especially their respective practices. Practices of Buddhism include taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, study of scriptures, observance of moral precepts, renunciation of craving and attachment, the practice of meditation (including calm and insight), the cultivation of wisdom, loving-kindness and compassion, the Mahayana practice of bodhicitta and the Vajrayana practices of generation stage and completion stage.

In Theravada the ultimate goal is the cessation of the kleshas and the attainment of the sublime state of Nirvana, achieved by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path (also known as the Middle Way), thus escaping what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth. Theravada has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

Mahayana, which includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Shingon and Tiantai (Tendai), is found throughout East Asia. Rather than Nirvana, Mahayana instead aspires to Buddhahood via the bodhisattva path, a state wherein one remains in the cycle of rebirth to help other beings reach awakening.

Members Reviews:

Great start into Buddhism

In depth introduction into Buddhism and Buddhist beliefs. Very comprehensive and a quick listen. Recommend for anyone curious about the religion.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

I have a better understanding of Buddhism.

Though I have been interested in learning more about the teachings of Buddhism this is my first book on the subject. I requested this book in exchange for my honest review. I feel like I got good information for a beginner. It did leave me wanting to know more about this fascinating religion though. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about the beliefs of a Buddhist.

A solid base to work from

For what it is Buddhism for Beginners is a wonderful book. You wont find any life altering nuggets of wisdom within its pages, but if you are interested in Buddhism and need a place to start I cant think of a better place to look. Matt Haynes voice is pleasant and easily understood through the whole book. Not sure what else to say aside from if you want to learn about Buddhism there are way worse places you could look.

I received this audiobook in exchange for a honest and fair review.

Interesting and helpful!

I really enjoyed this quick introduction to Buddhism. I came into this not knowing much about the Buddhism and I feel like I learned a lot in the 30 minutes it took to listen to this audio. I have a better understanding of Buddhism now and I am interested in exploring more. Great narration.