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What Makes You Not a Buddhist cover art

What Makes You Not a Buddhist

By: Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
Narrated by: Tom Pile
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Summary

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, Khysentse urges listeners 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.

©2007 Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse (P)2014 Audible Inc.

What listeners say about What Makes You Not a Buddhist

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Wow, it's like having a psychopath whispering in your ear.

I got this because there's supposed to be wit in here somewhere. However, the narrator sounds angry all the time, and he talks in a loud whisper. So, all the jokes actually sound like threats, and most of the book seems to be an insult.

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10 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars

Extremely dissapointing

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

There are lots of 5 star reviews so people actually liked the book but I'm definitely not one of them.

What could Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

If the author stopped being so critical and harsh of everything and everyone which in itself is not what Buddhism is about!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Nothing. I had to stop after about an hour and planning on returning it as I refuse to let it to ruin my beliefs. I tried to persevere and finish the book but it just made me angry and constant criticisms of people, cultures and everything else in between (even facial creams, toasters, dishwashers, cars, plastic bags etc!) sounded like a rant, rather than an educational, enriching audiobook.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Elixir of truth

The essential buddhist introductory book in my opinion. Rinpoche words is like a razor, cutting trough all misconceptions.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Scoop - The Truth about Buddhism

Sharp and incisive dissection of the reality of Buddihism in the modern world. What it is, and importantly, what it isn't. The clarity is astounding, and is put forward with such simplicity - no words are wasted.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing - mind-expanding

Every Buddhist should read or hear this gem from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Goes straight to the essence

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1 person found this helpful

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Good Stuff

Probably the best introduction to buddhism i've came across so far. An informative source and entertaining listen.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Sharp and deep.

This audiobook presents the challenging teachings of Buddhism in a frank, informal way which is both authentically traditional and disarmingly street-wise. There’s a lot of humour, clarity and very lightly worn scholarly authority here. It’s great.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this!

Excellent book and brilliantly explained. It is difficult to explain to people when asked but this provided me with no only New knowledge and wisdom but also clearer way to answer why I’m drawn to Buddha and his remarkable observations and how they help me navigate my way through life in the way that reduces avoidable suffering etc. Great book. Funny too in parts and very relevant touching on how we live today etc

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Skilful means to understand Buddhism

This book offers a solid dose of reality to slice through spiritual bypassing and performative, superficial adherence to the profound teachings of the Buddha.

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Genius (maybe a bit too short though :-P)

A very effrctive way to pose & answer some of the general questions you may have had. Real life from a Buddhist(ish) perspective. Well done!!

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