"Great World Religions: Buddhism" Prof. Malcolm David Eckel" (12 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 2x DVD - The Great Courses)
This course provides a look into the psychological revolution of Buddhism, stripping away common stereotypes to focus on the core philosophy. Professor Malcolm David Eckel examines the life and ideas of Siddhartha Gautama - the Indian prince who abandoned royalty to address the problem of human suffering. By breaking down the Four Noble Truths and the concept of Anatman (no-self), the lectures challenge traditional perceptions of identity and existence.
 
The narrative tracks the expansion of these ideas globally, tracing a 2,500-year history that transformed a small local community into a major world religion. You will see how the original teachings evolved into diverse traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen. Professor Eckel analyzes the mechanics of liberation and explains the foundational principles that have allowed Buddhism to remain a significant influence on the human mind through the modern era.