Sunday, April 29, 2007

Dharma Punx

Noah Levine wrote the book Dharma Punx and leads a weekly meditation group in Los Angeles. There are groups in other cities including a great group in San Francisco lead by Vinny Ferraro. It's nice to be meditating with a group of people who are alternative and outside of the mainstream. A great place for those who like to meditate and discuss with non new-age or hippy types.

From his website:

"This is the story of a young man and a generation of angry youths who rebelled against their parents and the unfulfilled promise of the sixties.

"As with many self-destructive kids, Noah Levine's search for meaning led him first to punk rock, drugs, drinking, and dissatisfaction. But the search didn't end there. Having clearly seen the uselessness of drugs and violence, Noah looked for positive ways to channel his rebellion against what he saw as the lies of society.

"Fueled by his anger and so much injustice and suffering, Levine now uses that energy and the practice of Buddhism to awaken his natural wisdom and compassion.

"Noah Levine is a Buddhist teacher, author and counselor. He is trained to teach by Jack Kornfield of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. He teaches meditation classes, workshops and retreats nationally as well as leading groups in juvenile halls and prisons. Noah holds a masters degree in counseling psychology from CIIS. He has studied with many prominent teachers in both the Theravadan and Mahayanan Buddhist traditions."

1 comment:

aslidevi said...

Vinny Ferrarro teaches Friday nights in SF at 3rd and Fulton. He gives practical advice for life and does not get bogged down in esoteric concepts. Vinny encourages attendees to use what is most prevalent to evolve spiritually. "If you have pain, then use that," he often says. And he explains clearly how to do it. Also, the sangha is a great place to find out about other community events at Spirit Rock and in the city. Good stuff!