Unlike the biblical Ten Commandments, the precepts are not divine edicts, but are intended as training rules. December 5th 2006 The layman's introduction to some very important ideas. What Makes You Not a Buddhist Paperback – 3 Oct. 2008. by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse (Author) 4.5 out of 5 stars. Khyentse emphasizes the "Four Seals" (not to be confused with the Four Nobel Truths), stressing the impermanence of all compounded phenomena (which entails everything). “Like a child at the cinema, we get caught up in the illusion. --DanielCD 19:12, 5 February 2006 (UTC) I'm sympathetic with you as far as having the truth be told, but there has to be a public, formally-published accusation firmly cited. I read a few chapters but had to stop when my eyes got sore from too much rolling. He proudly informed all the other monkeys, “If we go to the lake and collect the moon, then we will be the heroes who saved the moon.” At first the other monkeys didn’t believe him. Of the 4 seals, 1, 2 and 4 seem like no brainers - 1, everything changes and is impermanent, 2, no emotions are purely pleasurable (“all emotions are pain”) - if we're wanting pleasure, then we're wanting the absence of the opposite, which is imposs. What one should worry about is if the Dhamma they hear is correct and will lead them to reach the Further Shore (which they can come to know through their experience). Even if a reader goes no further, a serious consideration of what is being put in this book could fundamentally alter the quality of the experience a person has of their life. I think it’s destined to be an influential classic. The phrase that sticks out in my mind from this book is "naked babies missing their sex organs" (he's talking about cherubs in Christian art). All things have no inherent existence. Of the 4 seals, 1, 2 and 4 seem like no brainers - 1, everything changes and is impermanent, 2, no emotions are purely pleasurable (“all emotions are pain”) - if we're wanting pleasure, then we're wanting the absence of the opposite, which is impossible and sets us up for suffering; #4, Nirvana is beyond concept, it's not really possible to consider. All things have no inherent existence. The author was born in Bhutan and is a monk. I read this book with the intention of better understanding Buddhist thought. What Makes You Not a Buddhist is not a practice text. New from. What makes you not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.00; 1 Ratings 27 Want to read; 1 Currently reading; 1 Have read His teachings appeal to me (as I have encountered them) because it doesn't incorporate a whole bunch of hocus-pocus like relig. We have all kinds of small ambitions, such as impressing a girl, or big ambitions, such as landing on Mars. This short, concise book simply rocks! Rather, it attempts to address the more fundamental nature of the Buddhist view that serves as the groundwork for any subsequent practical application. For me, the appeal of buddhism is its practical nature. ( Log Out / There's a bit of "self help" style rhetoric in the style, but it grows directly out of the vision, so it never becomes intrusive. This book challenges common misconceptions about Buddhism, particularly those held by practitioners, and demonstrates what it really means to be a Buddhist. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse gives it to us straight: so you think you’re a Buddhist? I love the way this guy cuts right to the point - he's not caught up in teaching a religion. Becoming a Buddhist Climate Scientist Free. Buddhist Life Buddhist Path: The Foundations of Buddhism based on earliest sources by Bhikkhu Cintita. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche approach is to radically contextualize the Buddhism message (largely from the Nyingma perspective) and integrate it into modern thinking without watering it down to mere liberal-ish humanism. Even if a reader goes no further, a serious consideration of what is being put in this book could fundamentally alter the quality of the experience, This is a great little book. Clear. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse gives it to us straight: so you think you’re a Buddhist? The Best Writing 2007 is an eclectic inspiring collection of writings from a Buddhist perpective. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. It is easy to read and the fourth chapter brings it home in terms of what it means to be Buddhist: accepting impermanence, emotions are pain, things do not inherently exist, and nirvana is unknowable. If you’d like to support my work and help to keep this site ad free, you can PayPal Me or donate below. ", This is a challenging book. ( Log Out / The primary premise of the entire book is thus: "One is a Buddhist if he or she accepts the following four truths: All compounded things are impermanent. cause being a Buddhist it is extremely important that we believe in past and future life. Message is not to get too wrapped up in sitting on a cold floor meditating about emptiness - you are missing the meaning. In What Makes You Not a Buddhist, Khyentse reviews the four core truths of the tradition, using them as a lens through which readers can examine their everyday lives. Think again! This is a lovely book by author Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse which I picked up in Paro, Bhutan. This book challenges common misconceptions about Buddhism, particularly those held by practitioners, and demonstrates what it really means to be a Buddhist. If you've never been interested in the concept of Buddhism, then I'd ask you to give this book a miss. It addresses the essence of what it is to be a Buddhist in practice; what that means to the way we conduct out life. A title only a Buddhist could truly understand naturally intrigues me...this is on my list to read. The virtues of the book are simplicity and clarity, appropriate values for what's essentially Buddhism 101. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published This is one of the more accessible books on Buddhism I have read. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. @sijee-nasi: I think you may have it turned around - he's trying to be positive about your own bull shit and negativity. Being born into a Buddhist family in a Buddhist country automatically made me a Buddhist from birth- and before there is confusion on that due to what I write next I would like to declare that I am a Buddhist. It's a great book for challenging what YOU think you'll get. The author explains the "four seals": All things are impermanent. When I started this book, I thought, "Oh, cool, a great book for those new to and curious about Buddhism. Welcome to my ramblings along the spiritual path. Many books, articles, and summaries of Buddhism will give you a collection of lists such as the Four Noble Truths, the … For me, the appeal of buddhism is its practical nature. They climbed a tree and held each other by the tail so they could reach the shimmering moon. Conversations with contemporary Buddhist leaders & thinkers. They didn’t know how to swim and they all struggled in the water as the image of the moon shattered in the ripples. Khyentse uses the basics of the four principles and finds enlightening ways to illustrate them into some that's both complicated and simple at the same time. For the last 12 years, Dekila Chungyalpa has worked with religious and indigenous leaders, scientists, and policymakers to design community-based environmental and climate programs. This week I’m reading What Makes you Not a Buddhist, a brilliant and lucid book from a Tibetan Buddhist master who doesn’t pull his punches. The Buddhist path is often characterized as consisting of three components: sila (ethics), samadhi (concentration), and panna (wisdom). If Khyentse read this he would tell me that I'm not a Buddhist, which would be a fair remark, for I am not yet. These 'seals' form the view which is what defines being buddhist. These 'seals' form the view which is what defines being buddhist and the robes, meditation, monastic life are tools to assist understanding and acceptance of these 'seals'. Think again! In fact, he is very anti-democratic and a homophobe for sure. A nd if you think that enlig ht enme nt exists w ithin the sp he res of time, spa ce, and p ow er, the n y ou ar e not a B uddhist. David L. McMahan’s The Making of Buddhist Modernism has changed the way I think about Buddhism more than any book I’ve read in years. Edgy. Unflinching. In my opinion, one should not worry as to what a Buddhist is or what makes a person a Buddhist, it all depends on if they are following the Dhamma, not what they are identifying as. All emotions are pain. Like Kevin Knox, I am not myself connected with the secular Buddhist network, rather I am a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order. For those just beginning to contemplate buddhist theology, this book is a bit esoteric. what-makes-you-not-a-buddhist Download Book What Makes You Not A Buddhist in PDF format. “What Makes You Not a Buddhist” by Dzongar Jamyang Khyentse is a short, direct and confrontational book. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Notes on Apocalypse – the Dark Night of the Soul, The Age of Aquarius: its meaning and possibilities, The Age of Pisces and the Transition into Aquarius, The Astrological Ages: some historical speculation, The Age of Aquarius: History and Misconceptions, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. by Shambhala. The author examines the Four Noble Truths as revealed by Gautama Buddha … Forget the stereotypes and the fantasies about enlightenment. For me, it clarified a few fine points like that karma is gathered by consciousness...if your conscious self acts out of greed or aggression, negative karma is generated. 289 ratings. After a conversation with my friend Amanda, to whom this book was recommended by a fairly reliable source, I wanted to check it out again. I love the author's direct, irreverent and humorous approach, and it is mostly rational, not steeped in mystical double talk if you think about it. I read this book with the intention of better understanding Buddhist thought. There are many seeming contradictions that exist in Buddhism, and being trained in Western philosophy I find some of them dubious, but I read it with as open of a mind as I could given my philosophic and religious state. Enlightenment is impressive enough. Khyentse effectively demystifies Buddhism, scrapes away Western misconceptions, and lays out the structure of this philosophy in clear, eloquent terms. it is very clear and presents some of the most daunting concepts of Buddhist thought in a way that anyone can understand. But what makes you not a Buddhist? I love the way this guy cuts right to the point - he's not caught up in teaching a religion. And he is going to prove it. it is very clear and presents some of the most daunting concepts of Buddhist thought in a way that anyone can understand. With wit and irony, he 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. Hide other formats and editions. Khyentse's Buddha flies and does other supernatural things. Finally it is a stretch for the author to say no one has been harmed or killed in the name of Buddhism, but perhaps his point is that those who commit crimes against others to defend buddhism in their country are not truly buddhists. If you cannot accept that all emotions are pain, if you believe that actually some emotions are purely pleasurable, then you are not a Buddhist. It’s not about the incense, beads and robes. Not the best book on Buddhism, but it gets the job done for analyzing the main tenets of the notion of impermanence. Its a quick but interesting read. You're going to have to find another reputable source that makes the same accusation (and I don't think Zenunbound.com counts, but feel free to get other opinions). This is my first book-length reading on Buddhism (at least the first one I've completed), obviously I already have some preconceptions, because I've been arguing with the text the whole way. Although Khyentse’s prose was a little labored, I’m still grateful to learn more about Buddhism and to employ that knowledge as an opportunity to reflect more on my own Christian faith, giving further definition to what I believe is the compelling witness of Christ. I love the author's direct, irreverent and humorous approach, and it is mostly rational, not steeped in mystical double talk if you think about it. Khyentse's Buddha flies and does other supernatural things. I know it's not Buddhist to judge-- so hey, I guess he's right! It addresses the essence of what it is to be a Buddhist in practice; what that means to the way we conduct out life. I thoroughly enjoyed the "modern" language of the author, flow was exciting, wanted to keep on reading and discovering, the analogies and examples given are contemprary and useful to keep in memory. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Many in the West, in my experience–weary of the Abrahamic traditions–easily jump into bed with Buddhism for what they believe it is, but I wonder? This week I’m reading What Makes you Not a Buddhist, a brilliant and lucid book from a Tibetan Buddhist master who doesn’t pull his punches. Sometimes, Buddhists think they have all the answers. Believing I know a little about the subject, I said to myself "Yo-ho! If you define reincarnation as the transmigration of a soul into a … Buddhism is not for happiness, this teacher goes on to tell us. Such advances are technologically and physically possible, but apparently not emotionally possible.”, “We are like monkeys who dwell in the forest and shit on the very branches from which we hang.”. With wit and irony, he 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. ( Log Out / Buddhists Believe in Reincarnation. From this comes all of our vanity, ambition, and insecurity. The Making of Buddhist Modernism. You can Read Online What Makes You Not A Buddhist here in PDF, EPUB, Mobi or Docx formats. I remember reading it about ten years ago, disliking it and giving my copy away. Luvvie Ajayi Jones—author, cultural critic, digital entrepreneur—might be best described as a professional truthteller. Instead, it looks at everyday life through a Buddhist lens, understanding happiness and suffering from that perspective. Refresh and try again. These are: The book goes into detail on each of these truths to help you understand them and it’s worth reading several times to really get to grips with the philosophy. by Mike Slott. He's dispelling a lot of common misunderstandings about Buddhism that I don't have but that I know a lot of other people have -- like that we all have to be vegetarians, etc. First, the Buddha that Khyentse presents is not the Buddha that I have come to admire and respect from reading other books. A definite read for anyone who wants to learn less on practices of Buddhism and more about the heart of it. “Once there were five hundred monkeys, one of whom thought he was very clever. I would recommend it for that reason alone, but in addition a person gets a stimulating and enjoyable read into the bargain. Instead, he talks about the basic observations about existence that the Buddha noted, and the practical implications of those. What Makes You Not A Buddhist is what really makes you uncomfortable. But I have always believed that religion should not be inherited, rather, with the realization gained through contemplation and practice it should be adopted by individuals based on their awareness informed by experiences. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. I really didn't like this book for a number of reasons. And time after time we end up in the water with nothing to hold on to and not knowing how to swim.”. Written on the shore of Daisy Lake and polished In the Himalayas. Some Buddhist schools offer to give vows for a very limited time (a day, for instance). The Buddha is an inspiring figure precisely because he was an ordinary human. The following is respectfully quoted from “What Makes You Not Buddhist” by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche: Sometimes out of frustration that Siddhartha’s teachings have not caught on enough for my liking, and sometimes out of my own ambition, I entertain ideas of reforming Buddhism, making it easier–more straightforward and puritanical. First, the Buddha that Khyentse presents is not the Buddha that I have come to admire and respect from reading other books. See 1 question about What Makes You Not a Buddhist…, Author Luvvie Ajayi Jones Wants You to Fight Your Fears. Are these individuals prepared for the road that they must travel to fully and completely embrace the essence of this philosophy, that everything is impermanence? Review Part 1: Buddhist Life. It is easy to read and the fourth chapter brings it home in terms of what it means to be Buddhist: accepting impermanence, emotions are pain, things do not inherently exist, and nirvana is unknowable. Incredible introductory Buddhist book for anyone with even the slightest interest of understanding Buddhism. I’m not sure the Title of this book represents the content very well, because the author doesn’t disclose the connection till the end of the book. See all formats and editions. Rummage in the archives here or explore my books. The Buddha is an inspiring figure precisely because he was an ordinary human. In What Makes You Not a Buddhist, Khyentse reviews the four core truths of the tradition, using them as a lens through which readers can examine their everyday lives. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. “If it were not for certain people's greed for wealth, the highways would be filled with cars powered … The director of two feature films with Buddhist themes (the international sensation. IMHO, "Buddhism" is a set of instructions for dealing with the situation in the most beneficial way that Siddhartha could come up with at the time - and so I don't know if I exactly agree with the idea that accepting the 4 marks of existence as an accurate depiction of reality makes you a Buddhist. Well that's not true at all. If you cannot accep t that all phe no me na are illuso ry and emp ty, if you believe that certain thing s do exist inhe rently, the n y ou ar e not a B uddhist. I read parts of this twice - I was bothered by it, for sure, and still am. I was a-trollin' for yet another book on Buddhism and came across What Makes You Not a Buddhist. Selected by the editors of the Shambhala Sun, North America's leading Buddhist-inspired magazine the anthology offers an entertaining mix of writing styles and reflects on a wide range of issues form a Buddhist … Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I read parts of this twice - I was bothered by it, for sure, and still am. In the end, What Makes You Not a Buddhist, was an informative although not terribly enjoyable read. 2017-08-14T21:54:44Z Comment by Sijee Nasi. Tricycle Talks. The author was born in Bhutan and is a monk. Great book to read then recommend to family. Used from. Yabba dabba doo. How can we explain that rebirth exists through the truths that rinpoche explained? This is a great little book. This is a lovely book by author Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse which I picked up in Paro, Bhutan. But be warned, as Khyentse says, the answer to what makes you a Buddhist doesn’t make for light dinner conversation! All emotions are pain. Amazon Price. It isn't the best book for beginners to Buddhism. This book introduces you to the essential propositions of Buddhism--although it is admittedly from the Vajrayana point of view as one can see in his extensive use of Milarepa and examples from Words From My Perfect Teacher as well as Mahayana Sutras and Nikyana Sutras--in a way that addresses many of the pressures of the modern world. But when they saw with their own eyes that the moon had fallen into the lake, they decided to try to save it. If you're fairly well versed in the basics of Buddhism, knock off a star. Maybe I had read it wrong the first time? If you cannot accept that all compounded or fabricated things are impermanent, if you believe that there is some essential substance or concept that is permanent, then you are not a Buddhist. We’d love your help. So you think you're a Buddhist, eh? you ar e not a B uddhist. Welcome back. With wit and irony, Khyentse lays out the "four seals" at the heart of the Buddha's teaching. And he's so charming and knowing and wry. It’s like wearing a mask and proudly thinking that the mask is really you. Gratuitous pop culture references, needless trashing of world religions. Being a Buddhist is about being present in the world and accepting the four seals – not the same thing as the four noble truths. and promptly got a copy for my Kindle. If you could sum up What Makes You Not a Buddhist in three words, what would they be? Written ten years ago, it describes what Buddhism is (and what it is not) through a modern lens. To see what your friends thought of this book. Think again! Phenomenal read that gets to the depth of Buddhism and doesn't sugar coat things. Simply put, you are not a Buddhist unless you accept the “four seals”: All compounded things are impermanent. ( Log Out / I really didn't like this book for a number of reasons. The premise of the book seems to be that being nice and smiley and a vegetarian, peaceful, passive and serene is not what makes someone a Buddhist. Her crazily popular... Dzongsar Khyentse is one of the most creative and innovative young Tibetan Buddhist lamas teaching today. With wit and irony, he 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. If you’re inspired by the monk path and you’d like to try, you can experience a sample of it. We fall in love with the illusions we have created and develop excessive pride in our appearance, our possessions, and our accomplishments. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Not For Happiness is a bold title. The author does a good job of explaining the fundamental tenets and beliefs of Buddhism, and I would recommend for that reason. Scholar Evan Thompson calls that attitude “Buddhist exceptionalism.” In his new book, Why I Am Not a Buddhist, Thompson offers a truly compelling critique of Buddhist exceptionalism and of modern Buddhism as a whole.But he doesn’t reject Buddhism outright. This book did not help me on the journey towards it either, as a teacher Khyentse is not one whose words I’d listen too. His teachings appeal to me (as I have encountered them) because it doesn't incorporate a whole bunch of hocus-pocus like religious faiths. Change ). Bull shit and negativity put it so calmly positively... 2014-12-03T09:11:27Z Buy What Makes You Not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, Narrated by Tom Pile This book introduces you to the essential propositions of Buddhism--although it is admittedly from the Vajrayana point of view as one can see in his extensive use of Milarepa and examples from Words From My Perfect Teacher as well as Mahayana Sutras and Nikyana Sutras--in a way that addresses many of the pressures of the modern world. Evan Thompson, a philosopher of cognitive science and phenomenology, and a key facilitator of dialogues between Buddhists and scientists, has recently published a book called Why I am not a Buddhist. Written ten years ago, it describes what Buddhism is (and what it is not) through a modern lens. IMHO, "Buddhism" is a set of instructions for dealing with the situation in the most beneficial way that Siddhartha could come up with at the time - and so I don't know if I exactly agree with the idea that accepting the 4 marks of existence as an accurate depiction of reality ma.