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Reddit mentions of What Makes You Not a Buddhist

Sentiment score: 10
Reddit mentions: 13

We found 13 Reddit mentions of What Makes You Not a Buddhist. Here are the top ones.

What Makes You Not a Buddhist
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    Features:
  • Shambhala Publications
Specs:
ColorWhite
Height8.4 Inches
Length5.48 Inches
Number of items1
Release dateAugust 2008
Weight0.39021820374 Pounds
Width0.39 Inches

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Found 13 comments on What Makes You Not a Buddhist:

u/JC-DB · 10 pointsr/explainlikeimfive

okay, I do have some recommendations for people just looking around. Check out this page which listed some of the best books for beginners. Within the list I would strongly recommend "Rebel Buddha" by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche (a really modern look at the teaching of the Buddha at its core), and "What Makes You Not a Buddhist" by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche (A really no-nonsense book by a thoroughly modern and renowned teacher). These two gurus are famous for their no-bullshit teaching style and their familiarity with Westerners and these two books really gets to the heart of Buddhist teachings. If you are interested in meditations, I would recommend The Joy of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. This book is shows you how to meditate w/o any religious affiliations and it has help thousands who use meditation as self-help. It also offer a way to understand beginning Buddhist meditation. You can't go wrong with any of these books.

Before anyone think I'm being too sectarian, I am a Tibetan Buddhist and this is what I know well. I'm sure there are other books which I heard are great like many works by the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh but I've not had any first hand experience with their work. I can only recommend what I've read and practiced myself.

u/SirDucky · 9 pointsr/Buddhism

So many of the suggestions so far seem to be of the Theravada or Mahayana lineages. It's important to understand that buddhist teachings vary depending on the lineage you follow. The lineages generally coexist respectfully, recognizing that "there are many ways up the mountain".

I just wanted throw my hat into the ring and suggest What makes you not a Budhhist by Dzangsar Khyentse. It comes from the Vajrayana lineage of teachings, and I love the author's pithy style. I think it's the best introduction to Buddhist teachings I have read so far, but it should be coupled with something more conceptually comprehensive.

In contrast I found What the Buddha Taught to be informative, but slightly dry. It was well worth the read, but I struggled to translate what I learned there into my daily practice. Just something to be aware of.

By far the best thing I did was to find an authentic teacher and supportive Sangha. Reading and learning is good, but this path requires so much more of you than just knowledge. I think that finding a qualified teacher is one of the most important tasks that a novice has in front of them, because there are a lot of unqualified teachers in the west who will inadvertently lead you astray.

u/Zen_Coyote · 6 pointsr/Buddhism

It can be confusing at first but I started with a few “easy to digest” books like What Makes You Not a Buddhist, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (which I re-read often), In the Buddha’s Words and What the Buddha Taught.

And despite some criticism amongst Buddhists I actually like Brad Warner for bringing a little levity into a pretty big topic.

Finally if you want a no-nonsense take on Zen check out The Zennist

u/DrThoss · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

The book, "What Makes You Not a Buddhist" indicates that acknowledgment of the four seals is essential if one is a Buddhist.

There is also this interesting comparison of the different schools of Buddhism

u/thecowisflying · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

This is book thats an introduction to Buddhism written by a Vajrayana Buddhists it gives a good explanation of what Buddhism is, why you should follow the teachings and how it improves life in general

https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-You-Not-Buddhist/dp/1590305701

u/growupandleave · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

Good question. Another one is: What Makes You Not a Buddhist? Actually, this is the title of a great book for beginners on the path:

https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-You-Not-Buddhist/dp/1590305701

> 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.

u/tsultrim · 1 pointr/Buddhism

So many great books. Change of Heart by Chagdud Tulku was a complete meal, or What makes you NOT a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse was concise, direct and humorous. Of these I would start with the second, and, if still with it, try the first.

u/Little_Morry · 1 pointr/Buddhism

>1.Different schools of Buddhism? I understand that their are different ones, are there a lot of differences? For example, Zen, Tibetan, etc.

Lots of differences. But, that's not so important right now. Just look at everything. Finding the right style of practice, and more importantly, the right teacher, is like falling in love. You can't plan it, you can't prepare for it, but if you're open to it, it will happen. For now, commit to nothing but honesty and curiosity and look at everything you can find.

>2.Best beginner book for Buddhism? Something that can teach me a lot about Buddhism, and books to explore different sects.

I'd advise anyone to read Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's "What Makes You Not A Buddhist". Very good introduction, from a Tibetan background. As with everything in the Dharma, the purpose is more to learn about you than about Buddhism, though ;)

>3.What are you. supposed to do when you mediate? Some compare it to lucid dreaming, the ability to do whatever, but what exactly are you supposed to do? Aren't you supposed to focus on being awakened, if so, how?

Best (only) way is to learn face-to-face. And there are many many techniques, which may or may not work for you. For now, sit up straight, but relaxed. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. If you get distracted, no problem, just breathe in again. You're not "supposed to" feel this way or that way. Just breathe, be present and come what may. Start with 5 minutes a day, every day.

>4.How would you know if you were "Awakened"?

Dunno, I'm not. Not worrying seems to be a factor.

>5.What school of Buddhism do you prefer and why?

Karma Kagyu, one of the Tibetan "schools", because that's what my teachers teach me. And my teachers are my teachers because when I think of them I can't think of being anything but their student.

>6.How do I become a Buddhist?

By sending me $ 3.50! ;) No, if you feel Lord Buddha is your guide, his teaching (the Dharma) is your path, and his students (the Sangha) are your homeboys, you're a Buddhist. Different schools may have different rituals to confirm this, which is fine but unimportant.

Keep your doubt! It's useful. Keep your faith too, for the same reason. Feeling strongly about something does not make you right, and being right does not make you kind, which is arguably the best thing to be. Investigate everything (with the exception of non-prescription opiates and asshattery) and enjoy yourself! Good luck!

u/Ilovenut · 1 pointr/Buddhism

I think the best plan of attack is try both. Study both Mahayana and Pali tradition buddhism. For the pali perspective read this https://web.ics.purdue.edu/~buddhism/docs/Bhante_Walpola_Rahula-What_the_Buddha_Taught.pdf

​

For mahayana read this... https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-You-Not-Buddhist/dp/1590305701

​

Theres millions of books these days. Dont waste your time, choose wisely. Some authors are more concerned with selling books then helping you along the spiritual path.

u/-tutu- · 1 pointr/booksuggestions

If you liked Art of Happiness you'll probably love Ethics for a New Millennium (Amazon link).

I don't know how into Buddhist philosophy you are, but What Makes You Not a Buddhist is one of my favorites (Amazon link).

u/wundertunge · 1 pointr/Buddhism

Before starting on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, you might want a survey book of Buddhism. Although not at all complete, I do think the book The Buddha and His Teaching is a great academic survey covering many foundations of Buddhism including the Buddha's story, Karma, the eightfold path, ego, attachment, and meditation. It mainly follows the Tibetan model in organization: Part 1: Hinayana, Part 2: Mahayana, Part 3: Vajrayana, excluding focus on schools like Zen and Theravada. All in all, though, an excellent read.

There are also a number of contemporary readings that will explain Dharma through a modern lens. What Makes You Not a Buddhist? was recommended to me awhile back.

Also, if you'd like to get to the heart of it, start meditating. You only need 10 minutes a day of basic shamatha and vippasana practice to start becoming a student of your own mind.

Good luck

EDIT: it just dawned on me that Shamatha and Vippasana might be foreign terms to you. You can do a google search, or you can PM me and I'd be happy to help

u/BodhiTime · 1 pointr/Buddhism

It's a great question with a potential myriad of answers. While I can't know your specific situation, I would offer this book you might find value in:

https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-You-Not-Buddhist/dp/1590305701