Off the Cushion: Against the Stream

Seth Auberon, Gary Sanders, Wisdom Quarterly; Against the Stream, "Off the Cushion"

Against the Stream: 4300 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029, (323) 665-4300

Dharma Punx centers (nationwide)

A commitment to social action and service is an integral part of Against the Stream's ethos (and Articles of Incorporation) as is the case with Wisdom Quarterly. Quietly, many members, facilitators, and teachers volunteer in many different ways.

 

An amazing amount of generosity and compassion inspires us and others to participate. This year ATS wants to make it easier for members of our spiritual community (sangha) to get involved. Because when we get Off the Cushion, we Step into the World.

• Insight on the Inside: Prison Pen Pal Program
• Volunteer at Against the Stream, Buddhist Meditation Society
• One Earth Sangha and Earth Care Week, October 1-7, 2013

Insight on the Inside is ATS's pen pal program. It connects ATS members with prisoners around the country who are seeking support with their practice. This program has been going strong for two years and we are currently seeking more pen pals. If interested, visit the IOTI Information Page. This program has led to two of our facilitators (Gary and Corey) bringing meditation classes into Tehachapi State Prison in California on a regular basis.

 

Volunteer
Against the Stream depends on visitors and members to keep going. It is a non-profit and dependent on generosity to survive. But "generosity" does not just come in the form of monetary donations; it comes as time and energy as well. ATS is always in need of people to help edit talks, host classes, clean the centers, work on the Website, and more. Looking for a way to connect with the community? Visit the ATS volunteer page. It does not happen without you!

 

One Earth Sangha, Earth Care Week

Save our planet, save countless beings!

Last summer all of those attending the International Vipassana Teachers' meeting at Spirit Rock (including founder Noah Levine) responded to a request for teachings on climate change by making it a topic for concentrated discussion and action. One outcome was the creation of Earth Care Week, which will take place the first week in October each year. ATS teachers will offer teachings together with InsightLA and the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA (marc.ucla.edu).

The ATS community has already begun to get Off the Cushion to raise awareness and make a difference in this area. And after a successful Clinton Street Cleanup, ATS is keeping it up with the Melrose Neighborhood clean up, which takes place on the second Sunday of each month after the 11:00 am class. Join ATS for a quick clean up starting on Sept. 7, 2013. And stay tuned for another round of The Sock Project (collecting socks for the homeless).

 

ATS has a broad and diverse community with different interests and skills. All are invited to join in the commitment to ease suffering and bring compassion wherever it can be brought. ATS and WQ would also love to hear about other doings and ideas. Let's build a network to help everyone. More