The Naked Buddha

A Practical Guide to the Buddha's Life and Teachings

By: Venerable Adrienne Howley

Narrated by: Deidre Rubenstein

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Buddhism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia. For the many people who are interested in learning more about it, here is a primer on Buddhism and Buddhist practice written in a deceptively simple manner, with an engaging, gentle humor and flavor. Adrienne Howley's purpose is to demystify Buddhism, stripping away the layers of ritual and iconography that have grown up around it over the centuries, and to present the original, basic tenets and practices in a way that will be appealing to Western readers.

©1999, 2002, and 2003 Venerable Adrienne Howley (P)2005 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.

Critic reviews

"A streamlined, appealing primer for everything you wanted to know about Buddhism but were afraid to ask." (Publishers Weekly)

A good, clear introduction to Buddhism

The book offer some very good advise, and it is a strain of Buddhism most appealing to me. However, in the real world, Buddhism have been corrupted by various cultural forces, I'm afraid, so the purist form of Buddhism is only practiced by the learned few.

The book is also monotonous, I wish some humour could be used here and there to spice things up. But overall, good effort.

Good listen

I liked her approach. Clear and simple, yet still enough depth to give a good idea what it's all about.

I am not the same person who read the book

The Naked Buddha is a very approachable introduction to the history and philosophies of the Buddha. I found the discussion of the non-permanence to be a very interesting perspective. I had heard the saying that you never step into the same river twice but this book explained all the changing events beyond our perception that ensure a constant flux to our reality. The author does a good job of explaining the virtues of meditation as well. Very worthwhile read!

A Real Eye Opener

What made the experience of listening to The Naked Buddha the most enjoyable?

The content was easy to understand and the author made the listener smile may times as she explained her teachings on the basic concept of buddhism. It is one of those books that as you listen over and over again you always pick up something new. I am grateful for this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There were not characters in this book. I was simple explanation dilivered in a lecture format

What about Deidre Rubenstein’s performance did you like?

She is awesome. She captured the flavor of the read. Her voice is pleasure to listen too and she took what could have been a very dry subject and made fun. Her voice reminds of Judi Dench whom I adore.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Be Happy Where You Are Planted!

Any additional comments?

If you are searching and you have tried all the main stream religions and you are feeling like none of them fit you try this. This is the first book I read on this subject that has come even close to striking a cord. It has help me to learn that happiness is only within my grasp when I choose and allow to be.

Excellent intro to Buddhism

This was exactly what I was looking for. Being new to Buddhism I was confused by all of the available literature on this subject and was looking for what I now consider to be an a wonderfully, unfettered introduction to what Buddhism really is and what it means for me. It has given me more confidence in my pursuit to understand Buddhism and myself.

Wish it didn't end

I can't find one thing that I don't love about this book. The narrator has the perfect voice for this book, which is very well written and non assuming. Whether your are or are not a Buddhist, you should listen to this book. I have studied Buddhism for years but still learned some wonderful things from this book! Excellent!

Interesting look into a different perspective

This book was an interesting listen. Opened my eyes to some concepts and developed an interest into looking further into the subject. Narration seemed virtually perfect for this book. Well worth the time spent.

masterfully written; masterfully read.

What made the experience of listening to The Naked Buddha the most enjoyable?

that's a 50-50 split between the flawless writing and Dierdre Rubenstein's flawless reading.

Who was your favorite character and why?

probably the author. she's a character alright. in the best possible way...

Which scene was your favorite?

i don't have a favorite scene; the whole darn thing's indispensable, and each part inseparable from the whole.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

when the author states, right in the intro, that she's going to strip away all the cultural and religious trappings that have obscured the Buddha's teaching over time...that's exhilarating to me. i was also very much intrigued by her identification of Theravada as a path of religious Buddhism. Theravada being the path i've identified with, and me being skeptical of anything religious, the Venerable Howley has touched off an important line of inquiry for me. and by the same token, i'm glad that - in case she's sort of pulling the Theravadin rug out from under my feet - she's given me something delightful-sounding to land on: being a "Buddha Buddhist." :)

Any additional comments?

none, beyond my saying thanks be to Dependent Origination for allowing some of its causative factors to result in the formation of this audiobook. ;)

Good Listen.

You can't go wrong with this download. Good Listen.

I have listening to this book at least three times

Very good listen, the narrator’s voice is lovely and captivating. The story of this Buddhist Nun is very fascinating and her insight and wisdom has been immensely helpful in my new journey into the Buddhist philosophy. Great for those that are just starting to travel the path of the Buddha. She is very simple and matter of fact, states her wisdom plainly and clearly, yet holds your interest to a high level. I have listening to this book at least three times, every time finding new insight and great wisdom.