Noah Levine has come a long way: from troubled young man to well-known Buddhist teacher. His no-bull, direct approach — as manifested in his books, Dharma Punx and Against the Stream — has not only helped put meditation on the map for a new generation, but has been well-received by his elders in the teaching community.
In this Shambhala Sun Audio exclusive, re-presented here in light of our coverage of Buddhism’s next generation, Noah talks about the refreshingly organic way this all transpired, how his life has changed, and more. Click through to listen.
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In our other installments, we talk about the work of Noah’s new center (and how it works), his thoughts about the creation of a truly “American” Buddhism, and lots more. Do check them out.
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9 Comments
I’ve never read Noah, but I liked what he said about establishing new sangha’s even when there are sangha’s in your community. I think that it is hard to go into dharma centers where you are the only young person. I’m almost 30 and even now I’m usually the youngster whenever I visit a center.
oh, and btw, it’s really weird to hear your voice, Rod. I didn’t expect the worst horse to have such a formal tone!
Hi, Ben… Yes, I think Noah’s doing a bang-up job of inspiring reconciliation in terms of the generations and, when it’s called for, by inspiring folks to starting their own communities.
DIY and Buddhism go hand in hand after all.
thanks for listening. you may also recognize some of my other work. i’m the person who goes, “This is CNN.”
; )
really?!
Ben — you must have missed the winking emoticon in my previous response. I only *wish* i sounded like James Earl Jones. (That’s who does that.) : )
I had to look that up. I don’t have cable so I was just working off memory. Who knew rod meade sperry was the pen name for james earl jones!
I hope staying in an age range very close to your own can stop being so important to everyone. as a musican i remember when folks demanding 'all age shows' came in loud to us who were in bands. we listened and did all we could. in the thinking here we should have said," NO…we only play for those near our own age…" see how silly? i wanted to go to a darma punx meeting once but was told by a friend i was too old!! having been in punk rock for so many years and rock and roll in general i felt sad and pissed all at once. of course i denounced it all as bull sh*t, and not only ageist but silly and elitist and not too serious.
you are too old and you are too young and too tall and fat and short and buddhist and too jesus and too this and too that. what fu*king nonsense. if you don't feel comfortable in a meditative space because everyone is too old…the problem is not the place but you….too bad.
gary floyd
the dicks
sister double happiness
black kali ma
Hey Gary, I’m not sure what Dharma Punx sangha your friend shooed you away from, but that is not cool at all and certainly not encouraged one bit. I’m a member of Noah’s LA sangha and while we do have a great group of younger people, we also have a broad spectrum of all age groups, including the elderly and baby boomers. All are welcome and everyone gets along, whether they have pink hair, grey hair or no hair.
I think your friend is maybe assuming things that just aren’t the truth. Like the Buddha says, I hope you go find out for yourself.
HA Ha! Flipping off a note to a web sight was easy–re reading my letter in the magazine was odd…i read it thinking, 'What a prick I sound like!"…funny, though….and glad to hear i can take my cane into any get together i find. Having been both young and old i will say both are weird and wonderful. The challenge of life is always sweet–even if it stabs your tongue.
I hope the movement Noah started keeps on moving…he is a good teacher and writer –it's a blessing that he works so hard to show a better way to people who might not find the Path, otherwise. That being said, i think i might go Be Buddha for a little while.
I bow to you!
gaurish..aka gary floyd
the buddha brothers
gary floyd band
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