Rebel Buddha

On the Road to Freedom

By: Dzogchen Ponlop

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Dzogchen Ponlop (introduction)

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

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)

Good but I must have a map with a different road

I need GPS still have not been able to use what is given in this book

Just another Buddha book

If you have a read Buddha books before then you will not learn anything new here. This would be good for people new to buddha and tells the concepts in a more modern way. It does not provide any insights or practices but more of an "Intro to Buddha"

makes you realise so many things...

made me realise how to live the present not to live in auto pilot while dwelling on past and planning a future so pleasent in your head but when it comes to it youll never be satisfied and keep planning while looking to fill your emptiness..... i can go on and on but highly recommend it....

Memorable

One of the best books I've ever read. Both author and narrator do a wondeful job.

Easily understood, Intelligent,

Where does Rebel Buddha rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

For anyone who is looking to find an informational book about walking the buddhist path, this is the book to read or listen too. Very intelligent on relating to the present day. The truth just spills out like water pouring over a mountain top. Very, Very enjoyable. I would recommend to everyone who want a clear perspective on the inner workings of our minds and how to practice with it. Much thanks to the author and narrator for creating such a masterpiece of literature.

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

They spoke with a sense of knowledge and respect.

very helpful as an introduction to Buddhism.

new to the site of Buddhism. Is good to get another perspective on the philosophy behind it

Down to Earth and practical wisdom

What did you love best about Rebel Buddha?

I totally enjoyed this book. It was easily comprehended, well read and had many bits of wisdom that were applicable to my daily life. I will listen to this book several more times as I am sure that their are many insights that I missed.

Any additional comments?

Totally enjoyable

Outstanding !!

Very very good. A modern "Amercanized" version of Buddhism. Huge thumbs up !!

Excellent presentation of Buddhism for the west

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

Clear, concise, inspirational

What did you like best about this story?

It is not a story in the sense of a fictional novel...it is an explanation of an ancient philosopy in a manner that was easy for me to understand and from which to draw understandings that are very helpful in walking a spritual path. I am not a Buddhist but found the book to be of great value.

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

They were both easy to listen to and quite clear, well cadenced and paced.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No because I needed to reflect on short segments before moving on to the next. It could be listened to in one sitting, I think, without becoming weary. Spacing it out was just my preferred way of absorbing it.

Any additional comments?

For me the book's chief message is the suggestion to view Buddhism as a science of the mind and from that all else flows in a logical sequence. I think that it is an excellent approach especially for westerners and the book is oriented to that audience. It uses examples from western culture such as Starbucks, television and movies to illustrate points that might otherwise be lost in the bias of eastern culture and context. I am not saying that eastern culture is biased, I mean that it is very different culturally which makes it difficult for me to relate to many original teachings. Rebel Buddha addresses the reinterpretation of this ancient wisdom in a brilliant manner.

I can listen again and again

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Jonathan Davis's speech was clear and steadily paced. The writing by Dzogchen Ponlop was easy to follow and non indoctrinating like some buddhist books I've come across. I think there's something for anyone who is trying to better themselves.