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:

• Being a Buddhist
• Our true nature is like a wineglass
• What is in the mind of a Buddhist
• Buying into emotions
• Pride and pity
• Living fully
• Your own ignorance betrays you
• Shielding ourselves and others from the truth
• Not paranoid but prepared
• Not a buddha yet
• Like monkeys
• Appreciating the whole cycle of impermanence
• The spiritual path is a temporary solution
• Bound by practicality
• Enlightened beings may seem insane
• I don’t give a damn
• What is life?
• Relationships
• The habit of self
• Pride and pity