Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society

It’s challenging to write this review without sounding like an advertisement for Against The Stream because, quite honestly, in the last three months since I have started going to the meditations and talks there, my perspective on my life has fundamentally changed and I feel so much more peace, joy, and acceptance. The environment at Against the Stream is neutral, open, and calm. There is so much service, wisdom and truth offered there with the utmost humility and honesty. Teachers like Dave Smith and George Haas are fantastic. I am so grateful to this place and all the wonderful people there. Yes yes yes.

I had an open mind and had a great experience at a meditation and talk afterwards. It’s a great way to disconnect for a bit and understand what’s really important in our lives.

this is really a 2.5−4 rating — the experience is highly variable based on the session leader. I have enjoyed some visits and walked out of others. I have a hard time settling in to my self when the leader chatters throughout the practice with too little time between shifting attention to experience the last instruction — I don’t want to have to manage distress levels caused by the session, I have enough in the outside world

This organization really steps away from the expected scene. They open up to ancient Buddhist teachings as a community with a mindful practice. ATS is a fresh take on spirituality and is a safe-​haven in a busy city.

I like their evening meditation groups/​dharma talks. Maybe it’s just the name but I feel like they are open to and teach a different perspective that you might not get at all meditation centers or bhuddist societies.

In a city that moves fast… this place is a welcome spot in my world. I think the teachings are very easy to understand… but not too easy, I am never just sitting there making up a shopping list when I am supposed to be listening. I am engaged.
The topics vary from very old truths to the latest ideas and impressions from the science world. Nice combination. The people are friendly and respectful.
I had trouble learning how to meditate until I ran into this group. You can hear some of the teachings on their website… Podcast ect. I have been listening while driving around town — It has changed my driving habits to say the least.
Love this place and these people!

When my friend told me about the group meditations offered here, I was all for trying it out. I checked out their calendar and was impressed with their daily 7am meditation sittings. They also offer Saturday daytime and Monday and Wednesday night sittings at 7:30pm — which is more my time of day.
I found street parking less than a block away on 11^th street, and walked in to see several people talking, getting drinks in the kitchen, and heading in to the main room.
There are books written by Noah Levine (Dharma Punx, Against The Stream), as well as black tees and jackets with messages like «Meditate and Destroy» (motivational, and also the name of a documentary on Levine) in edgy lettering.
That mix of edgy and peace is indicative of the running thread here.
The main room was spacious, with a yoga-​studio-​like wood floor, platform with buddha statues, chairs arranged in a half circle, and meditation cushions arranged to complete the circle.
Tonight’s group was led by Anastasia, who had a warm, bright energy. She noted that today was the summer solstice, and invited each of us to introduce ourselves to the person we were sitting next to.
Almost 12-​step-​program feeling, each of us spoke our name and what we were feeling, and then Anastasia started the guided 30-​minute meditation with a poem.
After the meditation, again feeling very much 12-​step-​program like, we each spoke our name and what our challenges or joys were from the meditation, or our day or week or whatever. Or you could pass on sharing too.
Perhaps I compare the vibe to a 12-​step program because they have things on their calendar like Yoga for Recovery (plus others) that support those in recovery. I also overheard people supporting each other in their recovery processes.
There were lots of awesome looking tattoos in the room, and if it weren’t for the buddha statues, I likely would have walked in and felt like I was in an AA meeting. But I gotta tell you, this is a very warm and non-​judgemental feeling environment, and I felt a lot of peace running through the group here.
Anastasia told us that the place is entirely run on donations (tonight’s suggested was $ 15), and they even have a teen (23 & under) group on Sundays. The turnout tonight was pushing 60-​ish people, I think — and someone told me that Monday nights are even more packed.
Noah Levine, the founder, is a pretty fascinating guy. He’s a shaved headed, tattooed (neck and all), recovered addict whose Buddhist teachings and Masters Degree in counseling psychology not only demonstrate the extent of self transformation, but clearly shows why he has touched a lot of people who can relate to his life.
If any of this vibe I describe resonates with you, check out their calendar and drop in for a visit. There’s obviously very warm community and support that can be enjoyed here, if you’re looking for it!

I started coming to this place on Monday nights (7:30pm) about a month ago. The first class that I visited was held by Noah Levine (he alternates with Matthew Brensilver). I had watched a couple of youtube clips of Noah speaking and a lot of what he was saying resonated within me.
The class was pretty cool. It was two hours long (donation-​based) and started with him asking to introduce yourself to the people around you. Being that this was my first time there, this was SUPER helpful! Meeting the people around me made it feel like more of a community and made me feel a little more at ease. Noah then lead us into meditation and would remind us throughout the process to be kind and forgive ourselves if we are having a difficult time directing our mind. After about 30 – 40 minutes of (attempting) meditation, he held a dharma talk and then opened it up for questions/​comments/​clarifications.
All in all, it was a great experience. I am looking forward to meeting more like minded individuals.
Additional notes:
— I highly recommend in reading Noah’s memoirs entitled, Dharma Punx. It is a very easy read and highly entertaining.
— The entrance is around back (parking lot)
— Bring cash for a donation.
— Meters are free after 6pm, but if you’re going to park on a residential street, just make sure to read the sign first as some spots might require a permit.
— Their website is very informative. Check out their calendar of events here:

Against the Stream is a center open to the public that promotes American Buddhism. Based mostly from a Theravada tradition which is primarily on the 4 Noble Truths and the 8 Fold Path and is non-​theistic. If one desires, you can create a practice and find a Sangha (a place to meditate with like minded people.)
I love the Dharma. Life and people can be challenging, but that is what is a practice is about… learning to have kindness for self and others… even when we don’t always get what we want.

I was referred to «Against The Stream» by a friend. I have to say it is a very creative group. I feel very comfortable here and am building on my community. It is nice to be around spiritual people that are also dedicated to becoming a better person:) Peace ~Love ~Life :)

My fabulous friend Stace suggested I try out Dharma Punx and as I was newly introduced to Buddhism and meditation separately I thought why not! She had also mentioned 5 Rhythms. One Saturday night i got an email reminder that a Day Long was happening Sunday morning in which there would be a meditative sit by Against the Stream along with the second half of the day 5 Rhythms. Not being one to shy away from signage, I jumped on the opportunity! Man I was glad too. Cathartic, and as someone who often feels restless sitting with themselves really beneficial to experience both sitting and dancing meditation. AMAZING really. I would encourage anyone who is interested in meditation to give them a try. There is no fee, but dana or donation is accepted at all events. The Daylong was $ 50.00 registration. I have also been to the Monday People of Color night at the Melrose which was great and intimate. And just last night I had a great meditation with the thursday night Valley meditation. The meditation was followed by a truly group discussion on craving. Really awesome actually. All of the spaces are unique, all of the meditation leaders dynamically different but all soothingly similar in tone and wise words :). It is a welcoming place to be with yourself and attain.

This Monday night meeting was Noah Levine’s first Los Angeles-​area sitting group. While this group continues to meet, his center of activity is now in East LA. He has started the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society; they offer many classes, sitting groups, and other programs and whatnot.
Being a misfit square, I found myself welcome in his group, and I think most people would. There’s definitely a punk vibe, but it’s not exclusive.

This is not your new age meditation group! When you show up here you might feel insecure if you are not tatted head to toe and look and like a punk rocker. Noah Levine leads this Bhuddist oriented group where everyone is welcome, misfits and squares alike. If you are at all into meditation or have ever wanted to try, this is the place to go. Noah teaches in a kind and real way and he is absolutely fucking hilarious! It starts with about a 45 minute guided meditation and then proceeds to a «dharma talk» where Noah and the group discuss whatever topic is on the agenda. Everytime I go I walk out of there a bit more calm, a bit more entertained, and with the feeling that the answers I seek are right here inside. Noah also leads a Wednesday night group in Hollywood. Check his web site for teaching dates.