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Rebel Buddha  By  cover art

Rebel Buddha

By: Dzogchen Ponlop
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Dzogchen Ponlop (introduction)
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Publisher's summary

There's a rebel within you. It's the part of you that already knows how to break free of fear and unhappiness. This rebel is the voice of your own awakened mind. It's your rebel buddha - the sharp, clear intelligence that resists the status quo. It wakes you up from the sleepy acceptance of your day-to-day reality and shows you the power of your enlightened nature. It's the vibrant, insightful energy that compels you to seek the truth.

Dzogchen Ponlop guides you through the inner revolution that comes from unleashing your rebel buddha. He explains how, by training your mind and understanding your true nature, you can free yourself from needless suffering. He presents a thorough introduction to the essence of the Buddha's teachings and argues that, if we are to bring these teachings fully into our personal experience, we must go beyond the cultural trappings of traditional Asian Buddhism. We all want to find some meaningful truth about who we are, he says, but we can only find it guided by our own wisdom - by our own rebel buddha within.

Introduction read by the author.

©2010 Dzogchen Ponlop (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche shatters old myths and sweeps away cultural baggage, presenting the essence of the Buddha’s teachings in a fresh, contemporary voice. With uncommon clarity and authority, he offers a new vision for the future of Buddhism that is at once shocking and hopeful. This is a small book with a big message that is timely and important." (Pema Chödrön, author of When Things Fall Apart)
"The author's practical approach is disarming, especially when applying Buddhism to the challenges of everyday life." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Rebel Buddha

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Provocative

I have read many books on the Dharma. This one, as its title suggests, is a bit edgier than some of the others. I appreciated it, and enjoyed it.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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An enjoyable listen

To be honest there isn't anything very special about Rebel Buddha. The main reason I personally enjoyed it as much as I did was because of the ideas and philosophy of Buddhism more than the writing or performance of the book. Rebel Buddha is just another retelling of teachings and stories of the Buddha, only somewhat modified with a pop culture flavour -- for example relating chewing gum to the understanding of emptiness. For anyone interested in learning about Buddhism Rebel Buddha is very pleasant and understandable and there are many wonderful ideas contained in its pages for those prepared to go to the effort of becoming "enlightened".

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7 people found this helpful

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buddhism without the "ism"

Alll of the valuable advice found within buddhism, without any of the cultural trappings. Some reviewers have said it is the only book you will need on the subject, and I find it hard to disagree.

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2 people found this helpful

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Informative

Very informative and great book for someone who's wanting to get an insight into the constant jibber jabber of ones mind. The narrator was clear and easy to listen to.

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1 person found this helpful

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A Rebel Who Gives Us A Clue

If you could sum up Rebel Buddha in three words, what would they be?

Illuminated the Path

What did you like best about this story?

The explanation of the tenets of Buddhism using Western (American) culture images, phrases and indioms made this book relative to westerners searching for serenity, peace and enlightenment. Instead of leaving us with an image of the isolated monk, we are assured that the Path winds itself through our daily lives.

What about Jonathan Davis and Dzogchen Ponlop (introduction) ’s performance did you like?

As is my usual desire, I would have liked Dzogchen Ponlop to narrate the whole thing. It was comforting to hear him read the introduction and know his purpose in sharing his knowledge and compassion. Jonathan Davis' narration, however, was clear, easily followed and provided emphasis that enabled focus and learning of the

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wonderful start to a spiritual journey

if you are looking for a place to start in regards to a buddhist practice this is a good listen.

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Rebellious review! Rebel Buddha♡

Rebel Buddha teaches the reader about their inner teacher, acknowledges what is beyond good/evil. Grateful for this read!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Rebel at Peace

Great read when searching for a start. Love the natural and simple approach. You inspired me.

The performance was effective and kept me interested. Would love to hear Mr. Jonathan Davis again!

Thank you!

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  • Overall
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  • JK
  • 11-15-22

OUTSTANDING

I highly recommend this book. I am studying Buddhism and when I ran across this title, I was surprised.
So glad I listened. It is a book for everyone, whether or not you are interested in Buddhism. It is a life lesson.
I bought the physical book, so I can refer to sections at any time. I also like to listen and read the book at the same time.
So many excellent books out there and for me it is never ending.
This book ranks among the highest.
My thanks to the author, mr. Dzogchen Ponlop and the excellent narration by mr. Jonathan Davis, JK.

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Excellent

I have been reading a lot of dharma books, and this one is among the best I’ve read. Unique. Relevant to modern life. Highly recommended.

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