What Makes You Not a Buddhist

An innovative meditation master cuts through common misconceptions about Buddhism, revealing what it truly means to walk the path of the Buddha

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 humor and irony, Dzongsar 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.

Packed with new material, this second edition of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse's classic now features an incisive critique of contemporary Western approaches to Buddhism that lead to some fundamental misunderstandings, paired with a heartfelt encouragement of the power of the teachings to transform us if we approach them with the right intention and view. This edition also includes an all-new discussion of what does make you a Buddhist as well as updated material throughout.

Author: Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
Publisher: Shambhala
Published: 06/03/2025
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.50lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9781645474234
ISBN10: 1645474232
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Buddhism | Tibetan

About the Author
Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse (Khyentse Norbu) is a Tibetan Buddhist lama who travels and teaches internationally and is also an award-winning filmmaker. He is the abbot of several monasteries in Asia and the spiritual director of meditation centers in Vancouver, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Taipei. He is also head of a Buddhist organization called Siddhartha's Intent.