GREAT WORLD RELIGIONS Buddhism

Professor Eckel's lectures on the history and practice of Buddhism offer an enlightening look at this multifarious religious tradition, which grew out of Hinduism and spread from India into Asia and, eventually, to the rest of the world. Eckel's style is clear, engaging, and personal. He has traveled widely in pursuit of his specialty, and his lectures are enlivened by stories drawn from his own experience. Much more than a dry recounting of dates and philosophies, these lectures go into detail about the beliefs and devotional practices of Buddhists, and include a look at Theravada Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and the religion's unique expressions in China and Japan. Listeners emerge with a strong sense of what day-to-day practice is like for believers. M.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]