---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Don't try to use what you learn from…"
description: "\"“Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.”\" — Anonymous"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/anonymous-1_buddhism_don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-bud_2849013.jpg"
---

#  Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a…

![“Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/anonymous-1_buddhism_don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-bud_2849013.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/anonymous-1_buddhism_don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-bud_2849013.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/anonymous-1_buddhism_don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-bud_2849013.jpg)

> ““Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.””

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Use Buddhist lessons to improve yourself, not to become a Buddhist.

**In simple terms:** Apply Buddhist ideas for personal growth.

Key Takeaway

Apply teachings to enhance your current self.

Themes

self‑improvement spirituality mindfulness

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- personal development
- coaching
- mental health
- education

Key Concepts

non‑attachment compassion

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you respect tradition while adapting teachings?
- What aspects of Buddhism resonate with your goals?

A Different Perspective

The advice may overlook cultural context of Buddhist practice.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Buddhism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhism/) [Buddhist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhist/) [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Enlightenment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlightenment/)

## Related quotes

> [Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-al ready-are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-buddhism-to-be-a-buddhist-use-it-2/)

[Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/)

> [Don't use Buddhism to become a Buddhist. Use Buddhism to become better at whatever else in your life you are doing already.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/don-t-use-buddhism-to-become-a-buddhist-use-buddhism-to-become-better/)

[Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/)

> [I turned into a monk when my mother went to learn Buddhism in Burma. While she learnt at the monastery, I used to roam…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kabir-bedi/i-turned-into-a-monk-when-my-mother-went-to-learn-buddhism-in-burma/)

[Kabir Bedi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kabir-bedi/)

> [The Buddha gave his first talks, and three or four ascetics became his first disciples. They recognized his enlightenment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/the-buddha-gave-his-first-talks-and-three-or-four-ascetics-became-his/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [“I do not believe in religion, but if I had to choose one, it would be Buddhism. It seems more livable, closer to men.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bjork/i-do-not-believe-in-religion-but-if-i-had-to-choose-one-it-would-be/)

[Björk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bjork/)

> [Self-hate doesn't create enlightenment. It just causes you to not enjoy the current moment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/self-hate-doesn-t-create-enlightenment-it-just-causes-you-to-not/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [There's a Buddhist story about the guy who wants to be enlightened, and then he gets a cow and a wife and a child,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/larkin-grimm/there-s-a-buddhist-story-about-the-guy-who-wants-to-be-enlightened/)

[Larkin Grimm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/larkin-grimm/)

> [An enlightened teacher simply expresses enlightenment in their life by living. It is the student's job to gain the teachings. The teacher's job is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/an-enlightened-teacher-simply-expresses-enlightenment-in-their-life/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [I see no contradiction between Buddhism and Christianity ... I intend to become as good a Buddhist as I can.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/i-see-no-contradiction-between-buddhism-and-christianity-i-intend-to/)

[Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/)

> [Anything that is created must sooner or later die. Enlightenment is permanent because we have not produced it; we have merely discovered it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chogyam-trungpa/anything-that-is-created-must-sooner-or-later-die-enlightenment-is/)

[Chogyam Trungpa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chogyam-trungpa/)

> [Knowledge of the Enlightenment Cycle, of the ways that inner dimensions and nirvana work, lifts you far above the transient sorrows, pains, pleasures and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/knowledge-of-the-enlightenment-cycle-of-the-ways-that-inner/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [If you could train an AI to be a Buddhist, it would probably be pretty good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/reid-hoffman/if-you-could-train-an-ai-to-be-a-buddhist-it-would-probably-be-pretty/)

[Reid Hoffman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/reid-hoffman/)

> [All the buddhas of all the ages have been telling you a very simple fact: Be — don´t try to become. Within these two…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/all-the-buddhas-of-all-the-ages-have-been-telling-you-a-very-simple/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“Enlightenments, like accidents, happen only to prepared minds. ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/enlightenments-like-accidents-happen-only-to-prepared-minds/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“You can appreciate your life, even if it is an imperfect situation. Perhaps your apartment is run down and your furniture is old and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-can-appreciate-your-life-even-if-it-is-an-imperfect-situation/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

## More by Anonymous

> [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

[Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

## More Buddhism quotes

> [There are places that are very draining. There are places where there is another dimensional crossover but to a dimension that is not powerful…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/there-are-places-that-are-very-draining-there-are-places-where-there/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [Enlightenment is lightening up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-myers/enlightenment-is-lightening-up/)

[Mike Myers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-myers/)

> [The very best players, when they are practicing, put everything they've got into it. But then they leave it for a while. And it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tenzin-palmo/the-very-best-players-when-they-are-practicing-put-everything-they-ve/)

[Tenzin Palmo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tenzin-palmo/)

> [Everyone will admire you when you do well. What a horrible thing to do to someone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/everyone-will-admire-you-when-you-do-well-what-a-horrible-thing-to-do/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [Nirvana is a word that means enlightenment, being beyond the illusion of birth and death, the illusion of pain, the illusion of love, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/nirvana-is-a-word-that-means-enlightenment-being-beyond-the-illusion/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [I think the most miraculous thing is learning. I get out of the way and let the students learn. Then you get to watch…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/i-think-the-most-miraculous-thing-is-learning-i-get-out-of-the-way/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [“Exactly. I think the original tantric Buddhists took notice of was some very wise old people who never studied in their youth, but took…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-niemczura/exactly-i-think-the-original-tantric-buddhists-took-notice-of-was/)

[Joe Niemczura](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-niemczura/)

> [A human being can only absorb a small amount of the mystical kundalini, you can be exposed again and again to it, but it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/a-human-being-can-only-absorb-a-small-amount-of-the-mystical/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [One of the things I regret about not putting in that book or I think it's there but I didn't really elaborate on it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-warner/one-of-the-things-i-regret-about-not-putting-in-that-book-or-i-think/)

[Brad Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-warner/)

> [My mom and my aunties are really devout Christians. My mom married a Muslim when I was 12, so I got teachings from both…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tech-n9ne/my-mom-and-my-aunties-are-really-devout-christians-my-mom-married-a/)

[Tech N9ne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tech-n9ne/)

> [Balance is the ability to be happy in the midst of the most chaotic or even boring or transient circumstance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/balance-is-the-ability-to-be-happy-in-the-midst-of-the-most-chaotic/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [“The extraction of discrete parts of Chöd teachings from their broader philosophical contexts is symptomatic of how Chöd has been incorporated into and transmitted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-sorensen/the-extraction-of-discrete-parts-of-ch-d-teachings-from-their-broader/)

[Michelle Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-sorensen/)

> [Buddhism advises you not to implant feelings that you don’t really have or avoid feelings that you do have. If you are miserable you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/buddhism-advises-you-not-to-implant-feelings-that-you-don-t-really/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“That's all there is, enlightenment on the end of a cock. It doesn't get any more Zen than that.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaden-wilkes/that-s-all-there-is-enlightenment-on-the-end-of-a-cock-it-doesn-t-get/)

[Jaden Wilkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaden-wilkes/)

> [Aging is like enlightenment at gunpoint. Before I had cancer, I lived my life for my art. After I had cancer, I lived my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-halprin/aging-is-like-enlightenment-at-gunpoint-before-i-had-cancer-i-lived/)

[Anna Halprin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-halprin/)

[Browse all 6,100 Buddhism quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhism/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "“Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.”",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Anonymous"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-buddhism-to-be-a-buddhist-use-it/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Buddhism"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-buddhism-to-be-a-buddhist-use-it/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/anonymous-1_buddhism_don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-bud_2849013.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/anonymous-1_buddhism_don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-bud_2849013.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/anonymous-1_buddhism_don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-bud_2849013.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better…” — Anonymous",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Anonymous",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "“Don't try to use what you...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-buddhism-to-be-a-buddhist-use-it/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/don-t-try-to-use-what-you-learn-from-buddhism-to-be-a-buddhist-use-it/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
