What Makes You Not a Buddhist

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

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So you think you're a Buddhist? Think again. Tibetan Buddhist master Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, one of the most creative and innovative lamas teaching today, throws down the gauntlet to the Buddhist world, challenging common misconceptions, stereotypes, and fantasies. With wit and irony, Khyentse urges readers to move beyond the superficial trappings of Buddhism beyond the romance with beads, incense, or exotic robes straight to the heart of what the Buddha taught.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Understanding Impermanence: Buddhism teaches that all phenomena are impermanent and subject to change. Embracing impermanence helps individuals let go of attachments and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and acceptance.

  2. Recognizing the Nature of Suffering: Buddhism emphasizes the concept of dukkha or suffering, which arises from craving and attachment. By understanding the nature of suffering, individuals can address its root causes and find liberation from suffering.

  3. Practicing Non-Attachment: Non-attachment is central to Buddhist teachings. By letting go of attachment to desires and outcomes, individuals can free themselves from suffering and experience greater contentment and inner peace.

  4. Understanding Interdependence: Buddhism teaches the principle of interdependence, which recognizes the interconnectedness of all phenomena. Recognizing our interconnectedness helps cultivate compassion and empathy for all beings.

  5. Cultivating Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a key practice in Buddhism, involving present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Cultivating mindfulness helps individuals develop greater clarity and insight into the nature of reality.

  6. Embracing the Middle Way: Buddhism advocates for the middle way, which involves avoiding extremes and finding balance in all aspects of life. By practicing moderation and balance, individuals can navigate life's challenges with greater ease and equanimity.

  7. Practicing Ethical Conduct: Ethical conduct is fundamental to Buddhist practice. Living in accordance with ethical principles, such as non-harming and honesty, creates the foundation for spiritual growth and awakening.

  8. Understanding the Four Noble Truths: The Four Noble Truths form the foundation of Buddhist teachings, addressing the nature of suffering, its causes, its cessation, and the path to liberation. Understanding and embodying these truths is central to Buddhist practice.

  9. Developing Wisdom: Buddhism emphasizes the development of wisdom through study, reflection, and meditation. Wisdom involves seeing things as they truly are and transcending ignorance and delusion.

  10. Cultivating Compassion: Compassion is at the heart of Buddhist practice. By cultivating compassion for oneself and others, individuals can overcome self-centeredness and cultivate altruistic love and kindness.

Language English
ISBN-10 818949726X
ISBN-13 9788189497262
No of pages 130
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Timeless Books
Published Date 01 Jan 2009

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