What Makes You Not a Buddhist

Moving away from conventional presentations of buddhist teachings, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche challenges readers to make sure they know what they’re talking about before they claim to be buddhist. With wit and irony, Rinpoche urges readers to move beyond the superficial trappings of Buddhism beyond a romance with beads, incense, and exotic people in robes straight to the heart of what the Buddha taught.

In essence, this book explains what a buddhist really is, namely, someone who deeply understands the truth of impermanence and how our emotions can trap us in cycles of suffering. Rinpoche presents the fundamental tenets of Buddhism in simple language, using examples we can all relate to.

Shambhala publications

Share This Page

More Publications

Poison is Medicine

Rinpoche’s new book, Poison is Medicine, was written in response to the misunderstandings and misapprehensions about the Vajrayana that were exposed by the Vajrayana guru-related scandals of the 2010s.

Best Foot Forward

Rinpoche offers pilgrims advice on every aspect of pilgrimage: where to go, what to do, the meaning of pilgrimage and generating the right motivation before leaving home.

Living is Dying

"Shouldn’t we all try to contemplate the inevitability of our own death at least once this lifetime?" Advice on how to prepare for dying, death and beyond no matter who you are.

The Guru Drinks Bourbon?

Rinpoche addresses some of the most misunderstood aspects of the powerful guru-student relationship and gives practical advice on making the most of this precious opportunity for transformation.

Teachings on Ngöndro

Notes of teachings on Pema Lingpa’s Kunzang Gongdu Ngöndro given by Rinpoche during the 2013-2014 Pema Lingpa Tersar wangs and lungs at Bartsham, Bhutan.

Not for Happiness

Do you practise meditation because you want to feel good? Or to help you relax and be “happy”? Then frankly, according to Rinpoche, you are far better off having a full-body massage than trying to practise the Dharma.

Parting from the Four Attachments

Rinpoche's commentary on Sachen Kunga Nyingpo’s Lojong Shenpa Shidrel: The Mind-Training of Parting from the Four Attachments.

Buddha Nature

Rinpoche's commentary and teachings on Arya Maitreya's Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra.

Madhyamakavatara

Rinpoche's commentary and teachings on Chandrakirti's Madhyamakavatara at Chanteloube, France.

What Makes You Not a Buddhist

Share This Page

More Publications

Poison is Medicine

Best Foot Forward

Living is Dying

The Guru Drinks Bourbon?

Teachings on Ngöndro

Not for Happiness

Parting from the Four Attachments

Buddha Nature

Madhyamakavatara

Menu

Quick Links

Choose Your Gateway

Language:

Language:

Highlight and copy the URL below

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's Schedule

Upcoming Events

Glimpses of Abhidharma