The Buddhist Catechism

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and human-narrated by Matthew Schmitz


The Buddhist Catechism by Henry S. Olcott is a concise instructional guide to the core teachings of Buddhism, presented in a question-and-answer format meant to clarify the religion for both beginners and students. First published in the late 19th century, it outlines fundamental Buddhist ideas such as the life and example of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, karma, rebirth, ethical conduct, meditation, and the goal of nirvana, while emphasizing reason, self-discipline, compassion, and the non-theistic nature of Buddhist thought. Olcott’s work was especially influential in modern Buddhist revival movements, as it sought to organize Buddhist doctrine in a clear, accessible, and systematic way for a broad audience.