Local Vipassana

            Upon watching the documentary, the Dhamma Brothers, I became curious about the types of Buddhist practice going on locally and the application of Vipassana practices in the United States. After researching, I found an organization that originally combined punk music and Vipassana that acts as a rehabilitation practice for recovering addicts.

            Against the Stream, started by Noah Levine, is now an organization that grew from Levine’s book under the same title as well as two other related works. Their mission is to make the teachings of the Buddha available to all who are interested from any and every walk of life. Levine came from a life of struggle with many types of addiction and began his journey to enlightenment while incarcerated. His father had introduced Vipassana to him at a young age, but only once Levine had “hit rock bottom” did he turn to the practice. This direct parallel to the stories of the inmates in the documentary made me question the availability and how Against the Stream is reaching out and making an impact for those from all social and economic standings.

           

            Against the Stream is a non-profit organization that works solely off of donations and class fees. The website states that over 25% of attendees are offered some type of scholarship for classes and all classes are tax-deductible. There are now several locations of Against the Stream or Dharma Punx gatherings across the United States including a Nashville chapter.

 My question lies in the demographic that these meetings are reaching and the cost of attendance. Who are the people that are coming and aware of the availability of such resources like the Against the Stream program and what kind of voice do such organizations have in the religious communities of their corresponding areas? What is the relationship like between the organizations and local religious places of worship (of all kinds)? How are we as a community fostering a positive environment for programs like this that promote interfaith?

I would be interested in seeking out the local chapter and becoming more aware of the Buddhist or Buddhist-based practice community outside of Belmont in Nashville to gather insight on these questions and other aspects of the program.  (Field trip?)

http://www.againstthestream.org/

http://againstthestreamnashville.com/

http://www.dharmapunx.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjhce63L0N4