Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad

By: Mark W. Muesse, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Mark W. Muesse

Length: 18 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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 lecturer

The professor was very articulate, spoke clearly and at a perfect pace to give the reader an opportunity to absorb the material. Hope to listen to more lectures from him.

amazing history lesson

it was an amazing insight to see the teachings and what they had in common between all four sages, I would strongly recommend this book

Religious Studies Major Approves!

I earned my degree in religious studies more than 10 years ago. These lectures taught me new information and refreshed my memory on some aspects I had forgotten.

The course is mostly a historical survey of the four spiritual leaders identified in the title. People of any — or no — religious background should find these lectures enriching, educational, and (if you happen to be religiously-curious) inspirational.

I appreciate that there is no churchy bias built into this course, even though the professor seems to have come from a Christian upbringing (based on some statements during his final lecture).

Enlightening!

I needed this lecture and highly recommend it. Another Great Course excellence as always 👏🏿

Worthwhile, if you have time.

Does audible tell us what they do with our reviews? If they don’t post them, we need to know that; so we don’t waste our time. We need to know why they omit, in order to move forward. Understood? I’m asking audible about its review policy. Understood?

insightful to say the least

it doesn't matter what religion you consider yourself to be this lecture series has something for everyone Christian to Muslim Buddhist atheist agnostic pagan worshiper of the almighty toad it does not matter. this lecture series is not as much about religion as it is about metaphysical philosophy and the importance of our humanity. the author does an excellent job of maintaining neutrality while at the same time extenuating the importances of spirituality and humanity.

wowzah, so very good and yes, even enlightening

i didn’t know what to expect and i was amazed. i learned so much! dr muesse was so humble and appreciative of his subjects that it was just a pleasure to listen. not for one nanosecond did i feel any holier-than-thouness (sorry, heh) — just a true pleasure in being able to share the lives and teachings of these sages with me.

Confucius, Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad

fascinating study of 4 great spiritual thinkers of the ages. thoroughly covering life and theology of each.

Great

Great writer and excelente job Narrating it , I’ll recommend to any one that is looking for self examination
Love it ❤️🙏☮️
Thank you

The world would be a better place if everyone listened to this

Many of the problems in the world today are due to the intolerance of the religion of others. I think much of this is due to ignorance of the reality of the teaching and practices of the great religions of the world. Dr. Muesse presents that information in an interesting and easy to understand format. He also makes the case that all four Sages were presenting "A Way" to lead a Noble Life that are remarkably similar.
I highly recommend this course