Against the Stream/Dharma Punx is closing

[Zoe Girl]

This may be out of most people's arena but it is really a big deal. The founder of it all was accused by 7 women of sexual misconduct, the board of ATS took him off the board, does not allow him to teach under them, and as a result of losing money related to this are closing their doors. They have been around for at least 10 years I think, have centers, a robust web site with recorded talks, retreats, etc. Quite a big shift. Noah Levine also started refuge recovery which is a Buddhist based addiction recovery program. It is booming everywhere and so impactful for people. That may also be affected. However refuge is peer led and independent so I think they will be fine. I attend one of the groups at an in-patient treatment center, it is a good place for my bipolar brain to participate even without an addiction.

Our local group has been going over 10 years, we have been criticized for not having anyone who was officially trained by Noah to facilitate or teach. I pretty much don't care, I just tell people we are direct about being peer led and our qualifications. However the dharma punx name is welcoming for people who do not feel comfortable with other groups such as recovering addicts, gender spectrum, etc. So we can just keep going, possibly re-branding the name which I have been thinking about for awhile. I will be talking to the other facilitators tonight.

Meanwhile in the buddhist world, besides all the sexual misconduct, is a resurgence of saying you can find enlightenment with drugs, sigh. Pretty disappointing, the teachers I really like are clear and direct against it. I am also against using recreational drugs for for spiritual advancement, kinda BS. In general the buddhists have our sh** too.


Here is the article
https://www.lionsroar.com/against-the-stream-confirms-sexual-misconduct-by-noah-levine-centers-to-shut-down/

[iris lilies]

I heard this radio interview: There is a local woman here in St. Louis who was very involved with the TM movement and the Marharishi Marhesh Yogi, moving up in that organization to an administrative level. She was happy with the group for many years, but became disillusioned, and left, when mind altering (mostly illegal) drugs became part of their program.

What goes around comes around.

[Zoe Girl]

One of the teachers I read a lot of books from over the years suggests getting a local, accessible, mature teacher and sticking with them. Avoid the big names, the flashy programs, and the complicated organizations. Now of course that means our teachers need a lot of support financially. I know too many that are barely surviving as independent teachers. However it is still the best advice in my opinion,

[iris lilies]

One of the teachers I read a lot of books from over the years suggests getting a local, accessible, mature teacher and sticking with them. Avoid the big names, the flashy programs, and the complicated organizations. Now of course that means our teachers need a lot of support financially. I know too many that are barely surviving as independent teachers. However it is still the best advice in my opinion,

Yes, that DOES seem like a good idea, for many disciplines.

They do age out eventually. My Sensei for Ikenobo is probably in her 80’s but she will not reveal her age. We are all a little worried about her health and ability to continue.