Rebel Buddha: On the Road to Freedom

Rebel Buddha: On the Road to Freedom

3.98 of 5 stars 3.98  ·  rating details  ·  403 ratings  ·  43 reviews

Dzogchen Ponlop presents traditional Buddhist philosophy and practice for Generations X and Y in this refreshing new take on Buddhism for modern times. Each of us has an inner rebel, he teaches, and that rebel represents our innate wisdom. The inner rebel is the voice inside that tells us we don’t have to conform to the materialistic status quo. If we listen to that voice,

...more
ebook, 0 pages
Published November 5th 2010 by Shambhala Publications, Inc. (first published January 1st 2010)
more details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,008)
filter  |  sort: default (?)  |  rating details
Stephanie
Psst.

I going to tell you a little secret. I have this plan. I read these books on Buddhism because one day when I am old and can't take care of myself that good anymore, when I am close to homeless and seriously considering cat food as an option, I will walk into the nearest Buddhist temple thingy and offer myself up as a monk.

Sure I will have to shave my head and wear orange, but I'll just be old enough that I won't care about being cute anymore.

Hey, it beats being a nun.
Hans
Don't let the title scare you into thinking that it is just "Pop-Buddhism". It definitely is, but it is much more as well. I almost didn't read the book because I thought it would be repackaged Buddhism for yuppies or worse "Buddhism-made-hip". Which in some ways it is but then I had the other thought "does it have to be old and obscure to be authentic Buddhism?" To me that is an equally obnoxious thought to disregard or discredit a message simply because it isn't old or difficult to understand....more
Courtney
Dzogchen Ponlop uses REBEL BUDDHA to discuss the origins, practices, and misconceptions of Buddhism within the context of current society. He is quick to point out that it is not a theistic "religion" but a mindset, a way of life. Even then, there are many aspects of this book that can teach and encourage everyone, regardless of religious backgrounds. For instance, Buddhism advocates that kindness is the greatest gift that anyone can give because it's free and plentiful. In addition, people shou...more
Scott
The title on this book is somewhere between being trendy and slightly misleading. Linking Buddhism with rebelling has at least as much to do with trying to link the particular appeal that anything smacking of rebellion has for some people as it does with being a reasonable approach to Buddhism, and once we get beyond the title and into the book itself, the author uses the "rebel buddha" motif very little.

But he does do a very good job of presenting Buddhist thought and practice in a way that's v...more
Justin
I listened to the audio book version of 'Rebel Buddha.' I think I should make it crystal clear that I am by no means an audio book person. This has only further cemented that fact. I only opted for this format because it was a free offer from Audible.com. I know I missed a lot and could've gained more from a physical copy.

There isn't anything new or groundbreaking in 'Rebel Buddha,' but Dzogchen Ponlop does cast an interesting and fairly unique light on classic Buddhist thought. This isn't just...more
Taylor Ellwood
Rebel Buddha is a guide to finding Buddha within you, as well as exploring the concept of the Rebel Buddha, which is the voice of your waking self reaching out to challenge you. The essays in this book explore Buddhism from a philosophical/lifestyle approach as opposed to a religious approach. I found that I really got a lot out of such an approach, because the author doesn't use a lot of esoteric language. He strips Buddhism down to its core, and in the process asks the reader to do the same wi...more
Jennifer
From my book review blog Rundpinne..."Complete with appendices and an index, as well as a modern approach to teaching the practice of Buddhism, Rebel Buddha not only serves as an educational source for those simply interested in learning about Buddhism, but also offers up new ways of thinking about Buddhism for the well versed."....The full review may be read here.
Tommy
A well-written book for Westerners who are curious about, or already practicing, Buddhism. Dzogchen Ponlop shares insights from the historic Eastern origins of this philosophy, and applies it to the Starbucks and Apple computer crowd that populate so many American sanghas.

I can't say I experienced any epiphanies reading "Rebel Buddha", as I did when reading the more personal, confessional (and humorous) approach of Geri Larkin, still my favorite Buddhist writer, but Ponlop does write with the s...more
Arjun
While its a bit self-helpish at times, (I cringe when I hear 'unlocking your inner rebel buddha') but its a great overview of Buddhist principles, and makes an effort to take ancient teachings and contextualize them to life today. For that, I think its work a read, and its a great overview of Buddhist point of view on Well being.
Daniel
A great introduction to Buddhism, if a little bit of prior knowledge might be required.
I loved the first half of the book, having been a Buddhist for some time it was a hugely refreshing way of looking at Buddhism as a whole.

The book did start to stagnate as it reached the later stages moving to a more traditional outlook, but this isn't a major fault, simply one that stopped me page turning to grasp the fresh outlook of the start.

Overall, well recommended.
Renee Premdas
Rebel Budda offers an introduction to Buddism minus the requirement to embrace an Eastern prospective or aesthetic. Dzogchen breaks the tenants of this philosophy down to it's common denominator...transcending time, place and religion. This read offers something for all whom desire to live more fully present lives.
Scott
I found this book while searching for something else. The most informative and well written book on the subject I've read so far; literally only putting the book down once or twice over the few hours it took to read it. In summary, "Real wisdom is when you find a true question." -- p.23.
José Eduardo
"Rebel Buddha" is a book I would never picked up based on its title (or its cover). Please move past your justifiable prejudice and give this book a chance. It is a great book for both the uninitiated and initiated. It starts a little slow and I admit I wasn't expecting much, but the book achieves a graceful crescendo and leaves the best for the end, leaving you wanting more. Perhaps this is due to my own agreement with many of Dzochen Ponlop's ideas on how buddhism should be practiced in the We...more
Shawna
Dzogchen Ponlop did a fantastic job explaining emptiness. After reading the Dalai Lama's lecture "For the benefit of all beings" I was still very confused about emptiness. Thank you Rinpoche for the "translation!"
Drea
I skimmed a lot of it. It was a great read but it didn't rock my world. It felt too long. Felt like it could have easily been a pamphlet.

But again, I skimmed. I really need to read it again.
Olusanya
One of the best basic introductions to the Buddhadhamma I have read. Like Thich Nhat Hanh, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche has a way of explaining the dhamma in a simple, easy to understand manner.
Lisa rokusek
This is an excellent read. I listened to it and had to get it on paper so I could refer to it over and over.

Empowering, crisp, clear explanation of practical relevant mind training for now.
Diane C.
Very good book for Westerners curious about or already practicing Buddhism. Another take on mindfulness, meditation, compassion and modern life.

For me these books are all different teachers reminding me of what's important and inspiring me in daily life. All with slightly different voices, love these kinds of books.
Stephen C
Dzogchen Ponlop does an excellent job of relating stages of the path in Western terms and describes how one might apply these in our everyday life.
Jerry
Rebel Buddha is a fun, thought provoking look at how to be a mindful "rebel buddha" in 21st century "connected society". Really fast, fun read.
Paula
Enjoyed the modern, plain language of this book - like how to meditate on the subway and use Facebook in your daily practice.
Tony Riches
Life changing. If you have any interest in learning more about what Buddhism is about read this. Namaste!
Steve Woods
A great book. It relates the basic tenets of Buddhism precisely and directly to every day life. Although not necessary some knowledge and experience with practice will help make senmse of it all. I found it reassurring and encouraging, this is the path forward for me. The later chapters which relate to the experience that comes after the process of surrendering the sense of clinging self has begun are relevant to me now. I am struggling with compassion for others and for self. The book has been...more
Dan Tasse
Meh. Harmless enough, but doesn't really add anything.
Mr
i'm impressed so far
Meaghan McQuade
I give this book 3 stars. If I had read this when I was younger and just getting into Buddhism perhaps I would have given it 4 or 5 stars. It covers the basic tenants of Buddhism from a non-religious standpoint which is certainly refreshing and does have value. Essentially a great read for those who haven't read much on the subject matter and are looking for a bare bones approach - as I don't feel it holds much value to those already versed in the subject matter.
Rachel
Made many of the Buddhist principals very approachable. Definitely one of those books that you can re-read often and pickup something new each time.
Frank Baird
Good introductory book to contemporary American Buddhism. The author stresses the need to keep Buddhist practices alive in the current time and culture rather than trapping them in exotic, foreign or nostalgic preserves. The language and the metaphors used are contemporary. A good read.
« previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 33 34 next »
There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »
Rebel Buddha: On the Road to Freedom (Hardcover)
Rebel Buddha: A Guide to a Revolution of Mind (Paperback)
Rebel Buddha: On the Road to Freedom (Kindle Edition)
Rebel Budda. On the road to Freedom (Hardcover)
Karma Sungrap Ngedon Tenpa Gyaltsen was enthroned as the Seventh Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche by Rangjung Yeshe Dorje, Gyalwang Karmapa XVI, in 1968. A former Tibetan Buddhist monk, he remains a lay teacher in the Karma Kagyu lineage as well as the Nyingma tradition.

A graduate of Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies (the monastic college at Rumtek) and Columbia University in New Yo...more
More about Dzogchen Ponlop...
Mind Beyond Death Wild Awakening: The Heart of Mahamudra and Dzogchen Penetrating Wisdom Entering The Path: Outer And Inner Refuge Profound View, Fearless Path

Share This Book

Your website