Establishing What is Not Dhamma I realized that often, individuals provide insight which differs from typical Buddhist philosophy. For example, people either allude to a self in some way, or deny the dissatisfactory nature of phenomena. They might, in this last case, advise spiritual achievements leading to joy, but not equanimity and detachment. 

My question is : what is the best way to recognize such non-Buddhist teachings?

I mean this especially in regards to (1) obviously non-Buddhist teachings (e.g. a person putting forwards an existing self) and (2) seemingly Buddhist teachings (e.g. deviating views on emptiness, compassion). 

So: What is the best way to recognize authentic Buddhism? 

I think this question is complex, and study and contemplation might be involved, but I am curious as to your answers. 

Thank you.
Any teaching that has one or more of the following elements is not the authentic Dhamma:


eternalism (god or self or soul or world is eternal)
annihilationism (there is no self and nothing after death)
an independent, standalone and eternal entity or agent at the core of all experience (the self or the soul)
extreme asceticism
extreme sensual indulgence
does not contain the four noble truths
does not contain the noble eightfold path
promotes non-virtue (killing other beings, lying, stealing, sexual misconduct, intoxication, hurtful speech etc. - typical example is "waging holy war")
promotes wrong livelihood (trade in prostitution, slavery, meat, weapons, poisons, intoxicants etc.)


The authentic Dhamma is the opposite of the above.