Dharma Punx

By: Noah Levine

Narrated by: Noah Levine

As with many self-destructive kids, Noah Levine's search for meaning led him first to punk rock, drugs, drinking, and dissatisfaction. But the search didn't end there. Having clearly seen the uselessness of drugs and violence, Noah looked for positive ways to channel his rebellion against what he saw as the lies of society. Fueled by his anger at so much injustice and suffering, Levine now uses that energy and the practice of Buddhism to awaken his natural wisdom and compassion.

While Levine has come to embrace the same spiritual tradition as his father, best-selling author Stephen Levine, he finds his most authentic expression in connecting the seemingly opposed worlds of punk and Buddhism. As Noah Levine delved deeper into Buddhism, he chose not to reject the punk scene, instead integrating the two worlds as a catalyst for transformation. Ultimately this is an inspiring story about maturing and how a hostile and lost generation is finally finding its footing. This provocative report takes us deep inside the punk scene and moves from anger, rebellion, and self-destruction to health, service to others, and genuine spiritual growth.

©2003 Noah Levine (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This honest, page-turning confession is also a measure of the adaptability and usefulness of the Asian tradition of Buddhism for the young and the restless of contemporary America." ( Publishers Weekly)

Really good book

I read this book years ago and loved it. It was really good to hear it narrated by Noah.

Great book for those searching...

Mr Levine’s Work here is open, honest and at times hard. I sincerely think this book can be of help to many. Check it out.
JT-Georgia

Eye Opening and Impossible to Ignore

Equally heartbreaking and inspiring, Noah recounts his humble, troublesome, incredible, and enlightened life’s path. His ultimate awakening is found in the Dharma.
To anyone who needs solid, relatable experience to draw strength from in order to begin their spiritual journey: you need to look no further than here. Look forward with compassion, take the first step, and breathe.

For Anyone Who’s Ever Felt Alienation

This book is a source of inclusion for people who’ve had to seek peace outside the mainstream. I’ve never been a punk rocker, but diversity and spirituality is celebrated here. Thanks for sharing your story Noah Levine.

life changing

loved it ! couldn't be happier with this book! and how it helped me get on the right path of my recovery.

Life Changing

Read the book when it came out years ago. Changed my life. An inspiring listen.

Identified and inspired- recommitted to practice.

I am of the same generation, with my own hippie mom, although I turned to sex, drugs and rock and roll rather than sex, drugs and punk. Noah found meditation at 20-ish, me at 50-ish, both in a desperate desire to relieve suffering. I am grateful for his sharing of his experience so that I might recommit to my practice anew. I learned quite a lot.

Great ability to share the self evolution

Noah did an amazing job at sharing his experience and highlighting the events which aided him in his own growth and transition from one mindset to the next.

A Male Perspective

I often read inspiring autobiographies by women and felt that it might be really helpful to have the perspective of a male since started working with more adolescent males. This book really gave me some helpful perspective. I also really enjoyed the story and found it very inspiring. It is very helpful to know that there are resources out there for people in recovery. I actually gave a client some information on the recovery community since she is a bit more alternative. A very brave thing to share this personal story with the world. I'm grateful.

just what I needed

I am a few years older than noah, grew up in the la punk scene. I have resisted so many things, I think my favorite line said something to the effect that it's love that's it. I did enjoy the number of punks lead to dharma