Buddhist Meditation Society Against The Stream

Against The Stream Buddhist Meditation Society currently has classes, daylongs and special events at two centers in Southern California, one in Santa Monica, and one in East Hollywood, on Melrose. Check the calendar for updated information on what’s happening at each center.This is a place for meditation and practice. As a sangha, we are all responsible for creating a welcoming container to support each other.

Against the Stream was founded by Noah Levine to make the teachings of the Buddha available to all who are interested. We wish to create and sustain communities of healthy, accountable, wise and compassionate people from every walk of life. We welcome people from all racial, gender, economic, sexual orientation, social, political and religious backgrounds and believe that the path of awakening is possible for all and should be available to all. We strive to create a safe environment for all who come to practice.

To this end we invite you to observe some traditions that will make the shared experience more rewarding.We invite you to say hello to your neighbor. We are on this path toward liberation together. Know that your neighbor is there to end their own suffering just as you are. If you are a regular or new to ATS, please help those who enter our doors feel like they belong.

Unless it’s absolutely necessary, please refrain from getting up during meditation or the dharma talk. Please don’t leave until the class is over. This shows not only respect for the teachings, the teacher and the sangha, but also a large part of our practice is to learn how to sit with what is. In staying put for the entire class, whether we are liking it or not, we are building our mindfulness and equanimity.

• Leave the space better than you found it. Put your mat or chair away, wash your cup, if you spill something, clean it up.
• Please refrain from texting, eating or lying down during the class. As stated above, please utilize your whole time at ATS as practice time.
• Again, welcome to Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society and we look forward to practicing together!