"I hope this center becomes a Buddha Factory," said Noah Levine during the inaugural sitting at the new Against The Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. In his inimitable straight-talk manner he also told the 100-plus who had gathered, "Let's all wake the Fuck-up, clean the dust out of our eyes and see the world clearly...Let's respond to suffering engaged, with lovingkindness and compassion."

Best known for his recovery memoir Dharma Punx, Levine moved to Los Angeles a couple years ago (via New York and San Francisco) and has definitely impacted our sangha with his personal blend of 12-step wisdom, psychotherapy and, of course, Buddhism. Now with his own space in a classic Hollywood landmark building, he's sure to continue to spread his message of personal empowerment, not devotional worship.

I'm pleased to report that Levine's group will meet every Wednesday at 7:30. But please keep checking the website because I've also been told the programming will expand to include other meditation sittings, a cafe/bookstore and maybe even Yoga and Tai Chi. There are opportunities for anyone who wants to get involved. "This is our center, not my center," Levine said. "If you want something done, come and do it." Buddha.