Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Summary:
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. And after he explains what makes you not a Buddhist, he kindly explains what a Buddhist is. The author is one of the most creative and innovative young Tibetan lamas teaching today.
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
One of the best I've read
Customer Rating:
I will go straight to the point...
Want to know about Buddhism and on what its meditation system is based on top ? Well... then buy it ! No ? Just want to read a good book as a curious, then buy it as well !
This is also in my opinion the best starting point to someone interested in Buddhism, usually I recommended a few books as starting point to people who asked me about, but now I don't have a list to recommend, I just give this book instead.
No matter if you are a Buddhist (if you can still define yourself as such after reading this book) or not, this book is a must and should be a best seller. It helps taking away all kind of misconceptions and delusions a person can have about what is Buddhism and being a Buddhist. Specially the mystic involved with Tibetan Tantric System which cannot be understood without knowing first what is inside this book.
Go for it, it's cheap, it is a fast reading but a lifetime digestive *lol* (or a lifetime pain on the ego, you make the choice).
Dzongsar Khyentse is one of a kind Lama, I remember my mind being 'crushed' by some of his teachings personally and I thank a lot him, he has special qualities to teach westerns, and it shows on this book, a sharp mind and even sharper tongue that brings you down to earth no matter what your religion is, if you are following Buddhism this book will maybe strike you down as well.
Hey... stop reading the comments, go for it ! :)
Lama crosses the line
Customer Rating:
I was both taken aback and intrigued by Lama Khyentse's title, specifically because it appears to cross what is an implicit taboo in many Buddhist traditions: reinforcing judgementality about what is and what is not Buddhism. In the end, I'm glad my curiosity won out. I would however, disregard the marketing hype provided by the likes of Publisher's Weekly. I didn't see much worthy of an academic interest in the "ongoing adaptation of traditional Eastern wisdom into postmodern Western settings." There's simply Dharma here. That Lama Khyentse makes it accessible to a contemporary audience reflects the perfection of his vocation.
Lama Khyentse's done practitioners and the curious alike a greater service by compassionately cracking "what is not a Buddhist." He highlights the risks of Buddhism ala carte, and provides a compact framework by which readers may address or redress the central point of conversion: am I or am I not?
I follow a different Buddhist tradition, so I it is with further gratitude that I note Lama Khyentse's gentle discussions of the world's other Great Faiths and sectarian variety within the universal Sangha itself. I have never read an introduction to Buddhism at once so concise and satisfying. If you know someone at the crosspath or who simply wants to know what it's all about, this is a great starting point.
A Great Intro to Buddhism
Customer Rating:
I have been a student of Buddhism for over 30 years, and have read many books on the subject. This is one of the best I have ever read because it is clear, concise, easy to understand, and cannot be disputed in the truth of it's content. This book spells out the essential beliefs shared by true practitioners on the Buddhist path. I am buying copies to share with friends who have wondered about Buddhism, as this book will give them a very, very clear idea!
Brilliant
Customer Rating:
A brilliant book. He is both profound and humorous. He cuts to the essence of Buddhist thought and philosophy. I have bought four or five copies to pass to friends as I think it is one of the best books on Buddhism that I have ever read.
Must read book even for Buddhists' practitioners or not.
Customer Rating:
The writing style is amazing. Short chapters and subchapters and beautiful history illustrate complex Buddhist's concepts, helping them to be well understanding.
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