Meet the Dharma Punx Montreal Sanga
I spent many years being a so called Buddhist, without having actually sat on a meditation cushion. I studied philosophy for years trying to make sense of my feelings of alienation and confusion. Punk-rock was my first introduction to a group of people that finally shared my outlook of the world, people who saw the injustices and oppression that were happening around me. I then totally immersed myself in the countercultural movement trying to bring "the truth" to the people.
The more involved I got, the more anger I felt towards others and especially myself. I actually bought the book Dharma Punx so my partner could better understand me, instead it helped me better understand myself. This no-nonsense buddhism made so much sense to me, it had been what I had been searching for all these years. I was always weary of meditation groups because of my aversion to the whole hippie "aura fluffing" movement that is attached to this. Noah's teaching has taught me that I can stay true to my roots and still be a Buddhist, you can be a punk and meditate! Montreal Dharma Punx is a great group full of honest people. It is a second home for me.
After drifting in and out of focus with my meditation practice for 10 years, I have come to understand the necessity of having a supportive group to reinforce commitment and purpose. The Sunday night meetings provide encouragement and insight to continue practicing engaged buddhism and be mindful in all aspects of our lives.
I started meditating on a regular basis back in 2000. I sat on my own in my house, never picked up a book on the subject or sought out a teacher. I'd been searching for some kind of Higher Power for years before I realized there is only this. I found the practice of just sitting brought me comfort and stillness in a way praying to an invisible sky daddy never did. It seems to work so I keep doing it. I didn't start sitting with other people until I met my partner in 2005. He was living at a Zen Monastery at the time. There is a different energy when you sit with a group. I don't ignore the cushion in my home, but I enjoy the sanga community tremendously.
There is something special about a group of people committed to ending suffering, and being kinder. The world has enough suffering in it. Dharma Punks Montreal is a very nice group of folks who are committed to their individual practices. The group is comprised of all backgrounds and it's a safe non-judgmental space. I encourage you to come see us if you are in the Montreal area. We would be happy to have you.
I came into contact with Buddhist study through yoga. I have studied yoga since 1997, and through the years I have had many Buddhist teachers who shared their knowledge and love of the Dharma with me. In 2001, I went on my firts ten day Vipassana retreat, through the Goenka center. Since then I have gone on regular retreats of varying lengths, in Canada and the United States. In 2007 I started studying with Noah Levine. I followed a year long facilitator training with him in California. I also assisted him on retreats at Kripalu Center in Massachusets and Spirit Rock in Woodacre California.
Sean, my co-facilitator, and I met through the Dharma Punx web site. He asked if anyone in Montreal wanted to start a group and I responded six months later. Thankfully he was still interested and we both have been dedicated to the group ever since. It has been going strong for over a year now and I'm so happy to be apart of it. For the future, we are planing to host Noah, September 25-26th 2009 and we have some fundraisers planned this year. I'm hoping to meet meditators and attract some new members in the process.
I'm planning a few little Dharma getaways. September 4-7, Thich Nath Hanh at Bluecliff monestary in New York October 2-6 and of course Noah Levine in Montreal September 25-26. This is what I do for fun. Hard work though. Anyway, I couldn't be happier to now have an online sangha where we can stay connected.
Metta
Angela