Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad

No understanding of human life, individual or collective, could be complete without factoring in the role and contribution of these history-shaping teachers. Now, this 36-lecture series takes you deep into the life stories and legacies of these four iconic figures, revealing the core teachings, and thoughts of each, and shedding light on the historical processes that underlie their phenomenal, enduring impact.

Speaking from multilevel personal experience with these teachings, Professor Muesse leads you in an inquiry with a dynamic double thrust.

First, you'll get the chance to reflect in depth on the most essential values of spirituality and the art of living, seen from four archetypal perspectives. Second, you'll delve into the historical contexts and individual lives of the four sages, and how the religious and philosophical traditions we associate with them came into being. The lectures serve as a unique window on the origins of these traditions, through their focus on the teachings, actions, and historical roles of the sages who inspired them. In uncovering the original wisdom and practices of each sage, you'll grapple with key questions. How did each man understand the nature of the universe? How did each envision the human self? What did they each see as the path to true self-realization? In words reflecting profound and compassionate insight, these lectures bring the teachings vividly alive as they speak to their essential purpose and as they shed light on the choices we all face, moment by moment, in living deliberately and savoring life to the fullest.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2010 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2010 The Great Courses

Great subject told in a very digestable manner.

This is my favorite professor when it comes to ease of listening and comprehension. i enjoyed the progression of the lectures, and learned quite a bit about each sage, and the different ways to compare them, and it gave me clearer perspective on what i want to strive for in life for joy. excellent listen!

Comparative look at the lives of the most influential religious figures

Check this out if you’re interested in the personal histories of the world’s most influential religious figures. I particularly enjoyed learning about the political and cultural contexts in which Confucius, The Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad lived in and how that shaped their teachings and the traditions that followed them.

This brought home the personal side of these figures. What it did not do is attempt to extrapolate much about the religions that followed in the millennia after their deaths. As a result, I felt I came to understand each man on his own terms. This reframed my understanding of these figures, and for that, I recommend this lecture series.

Awesome course

Great format, good presentation, very interesting.
A great course to learn more about faith and how cultures began to practice theirs. Many rays of light.

Outstanding!

A wealth of knowledge into the lives of these four sages whom lead the faith and spiritual path of so many of us. Truly brilliant!

Learn about History and a meaningful life

This was by far the most meaningful series I have ever listened to. simply amazing