The essence of Buddhism is beyond culture, but it is practiced by many different cultures, which use their traditions as the cup that holds the teachings. If the elements of these cultural trappings help other beings without causing harm, and if they don’t contradict the four truths, then Siddhartha would encourage such practices.

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

from the book What Makes You Not a Buddhist

Read a random quote or see all quotes by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

Further quotes from the book What Makes You Not a Buddhist:

• Eventually we are disappointed
• Pride and pity
• Our true nature is like a wineglass
• Enlightened beings may seem insane
• The habit of self
• Happily ever after
• Clinging to our hopes and fears
• Today is the death of yesterday
• Appreciating the whole cycle of impermanence
• Nonviolence
• The real enemy
• Like moths to the flame
• A simple, scientific fact
• Enjoying the bliss of ignorance
• Like medicines
• The Self
• Products and parts
• I don’t give a damn
• Your own ignorance betrays you