With a new preface, afterword, and updated material throughout, this iconoclastic and creative Tibetan meditation …
A Generous and Compassionate Wake-Up Call
5 stars
This is probably the most generous attempt to transmit the essence of #Buddhism I've ever encountered. While the choice of framework and some of the references Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse makes place him squarely within the #Tibetan tradition, this is a deeply #ecumenical work which reaches across all #Buddhist lineages and traditions. Will all traditions agree with everything he writes? Probably not, but it would be extremely difficult to be even more inclusive while also writing such a readable book.
What might make the book difficult for some is that he is quite direct about poking holes through a large swath of commonly cherished beliefs throughout. I experienced this as clever and illuminating as I would expect from a skilled skeptic debater, but I imagine that some might not appreciate this as a compassionate ripping-off of the band-aid or revealing pulling-out of the rug as I did.
Bonus points …
This is probably the most generous attempt to transmit the essence of #Buddhism I've ever encountered. While the choice of framework and some of the references Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse makes place him squarely within the #Tibetan tradition, this is a deeply #ecumenical work which reaches across all #Buddhist lineages and traditions. Will all traditions agree with everything he writes? Probably not, but it would be extremely difficult to be even more inclusive while also writing such a readable book.
What might make the book difficult for some is that he is quite direct about poking holes through a large swath of commonly cherished beliefs throughout. I experienced this as clever and illuminating as I would expect from a skilled skeptic debater, but I imagine that some might not appreciate this as a compassionate ripping-off of the band-aid or revealing pulling-out of the rug as I did.
Bonus points to Devendra Banhart for reading the audio version. His calm reading of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse's writing has the dual effect of making it easier to hear truths which may be difficult to accept while also subtly emphasizing the power and sharpness of Khyentse's rapier wit.
This one is definitely going on my list of books to recommend to the Buddhist-curious or even to those already-practicing #Buddhists who may have a bit more stiffness in their practice than is good for them.
