Why People Should Try DP

Many people are a little apprehensive before getting involved with DP. It's important to be comfortable and to trust who you're with. But I can assure you that with a bit of time and practice, you'll relax right into it and come to really enjoy the new-felt feeling of those inner vibrations! Dharma Punx is an "Outlaw Meditation Group for rebels, outcasts, activists, punks, freaks, queers and troublemakers." They meet Tuesdays 7:30-9pm at Rhada Yoga Studio (728 Main St) in the 'hood of the 'Hoe and the Cobalt's tattered remains. They strike up some heavy metal postures like Corpse or Cobra, before settling into a meditation.

That's about it.

Dharma Punx is named after the book by Noah Levine, a dude who was a very pissed off, destructive, self-destructive, violent, drug-addicted criminal teenager who dug Black Flag. In jail he had a mildly unpleasant drug withdrawal, got turned onto buddhism from his dad, and began the 2nd half of his spiritual journey out of hell. "Having clearly seen the uselessness of drugs and violence, (we) have found positive ways to channel our rebellion against the lies of society. Still fueled by anger at injustice and suffering, we now use that energy to awaken to our own natural wisdom and compassion instead of for self-destruction," says Noah.

The group aims to be a non-dogmatic, non-flakey way to practice and benefit from meditation. I have to say though, the Van Dharma Punx sessions seem more buddhist than punk rock. I mean, there's no moshing meditation or Fugazi in the background. You do get a somewhat younger gang than other meditation groups, and you'll definitely see a lot more tats and body mods. But otherwise, it's just a chill time to hang out and breathe.

Oh. And breathe easy 'cause there's no cost to go, unlike meditation workshops in Kits/Yale/Shaugnessy/etc.

Ok, I know DP's not everyone's cup of tea. But first timers are always welcome to test the waters. We won't tell the Catholic church if you don't.