Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries Paperback – May 8, 2007

This one is definitely staying in my collection for good. Although this is nothing like Levine's "Dharma Punx", he still has quite a way with words that makes the basics of Buddhism quite simple. Most of this book is made up of drawn out explanations, and then in the final chapter he sums them each up as far as down to a sentence each.If you don't understand the basics after reading this, it's worth a second read. I am going to read it again myself, since it's a great refresher whether you're new to Buddhism or not. Even though I enjoy Brad Warner's books because they make my head spin, they simply do not touch Buddhism in the way that Levine does; and in much fewer pages to say the least. The short length of this book compared to other basic ones does not hinder it at all.So if you have read "Dharma Punx" or are a fan of similar authors, or are even interested in what the very basics of Buddhism are about, you definitely have to give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed.

Understaning our primitive instincts get out of ocntrol is the essence of both recovery and the Buddhist "way" of approaching one's life as the real work of life. And this book is a great introduction/guide an dsupport for the journey.If you're tired of looking for answers and getting magical thinking and cheap mysticism dressed up as "the truth," this book is for you. It presents a realistic way to bring spirituality into every aspect of your everyday life and helps you find some serneity and contentment along the way.It enhanced my 27 year old recovery and I gave it to my 19 year old son.It's hard to be human and this helps.Challenging a culture that seek to stoke one's desires and that also pormotes agression is the ultimate rebellion. And this book is the field manual.

Although Levine's parents were teachers on the spiritual path, his own path went through rebellion, addiction, and jail, leading him eventually to become a teacher, counselor, and writer who can speak authentically to the young and those in prison. (He was at a meditation retreat I attended some years ago. His body appears to be covered in tattoos.) He identifies with the Buddha as another rebel going against the stream of his culture. His revolutionary manifesto includes: Defy the Lies! Serve the Truth! Question Everything! His discussion of the basics of Buddhism is simply and clearly stated, easily understood. He notes that in his experience, love and compassion are a natural by-product of mindfulness, or present-time awareness - as Levine puts it, "knowing what is happening as it happens." Which means not being lost in the imaginings of the mind. I particularly appreciate his discussion of pleasure and happiness. "We are addicted to pleasure, in part because we confuse pleasure with happiness. We would all say that deep down, all we want is to be happy. Yet we don't have a realistic understanding of what happiness really is. Happiness is closer to the experience of acceptance and contentment than it is to pleasure. True happiness exists as the spacious and compassionate heart's willingness to feel whatever is present." Then he adds that what we are really addicted to is our own minds.

This book is just amazing. I got back into Buddhism after going to rehab and reading Levine's Refuge Recovery (another amazing book), but something about the way this book is written just ignited something in me that I've never felt. The way he lays down the 4 Noble Truths was just mind blowing. Really, this book is just amazing. You should buy it.

This is a great book. Noah takes you into Buddhism giving insight into the core tenets and practices, while maintaining an easy to read format. I like the overview of Siddhartha's life. I also appreciate his intentional choice of words, and his insistence that it is a self-validating practice - don't believe Noah (or anyone else), you have to investigate for yourself.

Amazingly written! I honestly could barely put it down. This was the third book I have read from Noah Levine and after this, I had to buy his newest book. He really breaks down the Dharma in such an understandable way.

Levine's "Meditate and Destroy" mindset and interpretation of Buddhist principles and practice has changed my life. A baby step into meditation quickly evolved into wondering what he had to say about the Noble Truths and other tenets of Buddhism (which I'd previously struggled with). Loved the fresh perspective on suffering, compassion, loving-kindness - easily digestible for rebels everywhere. This is as accessible as it is hardcore. A reference for life.

I'm in therapy and suffer greatly but this book heps add meaning to a way to work things out. Unlike a self help book where your on your own, Noah's book is a path that many have taken and my therapist knows what Noah is talking about. It goes hand and hand. I didn't like the bit about not trusting everything even him but I get it.

Excellent book, well written and thought provoking.

Its the life story of Noah that should inspire all.He was out of control in the extreme , drugs violence jail but he won his life back and more.Inspiring for those that are lost and the ones that are interested in the understanding than "right speech" is more than kissing behinds.So many people go down the drain , this one is swimming against the stream of defeat !I recommend this book to all that wanna get positively inspired .

awesome read....I really enjoy how Noah levine writes, easy to understand

I thoroughly enjoyed Noah's engaging book. He speaks very honestly about his own personal journey & his decision to embrace the spiritual path. His pithy, humorous, direct style in espousing the essential truth of the Dhama is appealing. I found his socially engaged approach to living the truth of the Buddha's Awakening encouraging & inspiring.

Noah Levine writes about Buddhism but in a modern way, so that it is easily understood. He includes some personal anecdotes that relate to how he practices his Buddhism and why. I can't wait to go to one of his retreats!