The Buddhist Catechism

audiobook

The Buddhist Catechism

by Henry Steel Olcott

EN·~2 hours

Chapters

Description

This work presents Buddhism as a clear, question‑and‑answer guide, inviting listeners to explore the faith step by step. Beginning with simple definitions—what it means to be a Buddhist, the proper name of the teachings, and the roles of lay followers—it lays a solid foundation for anyone curious about the tradition. The tone is conversational, letting the listener feel as if they’re sitting with a knowledgeable teacher who answers each query patiently.

The first part moves beyond terminology to recount the life of the historical Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, in concise, vivid detail. From his royal birth and early comforts to his marriage and the momentous decision to leave palace life, the narrative captures the human backdrop against which his enlightenment unfolded. Listeners gain a respectful glimpse of the Buddha’s origins, setting the stage for deeper study of his teachings in the chapters that follow.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~2 hours (121K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by U Hla Maung. HTML and Unicode versions by Al Haines.

Release date

2009-10-08

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Henry Steel Olcott

Henry Steel Olcott

1832–1907

A lawyer, journalist, and reformer who moved from post–Civil War America into the spiritual currents of the 19th century, he became a cofounder of the Theosophical Society and an influential advocate for Buddhist education in Sri Lanka. His life connects American reform, global religion, and the search for new ideas in a rapidly changing world.

View all books