[layedgebiamma]

I haven't read any of Noah Levine's books or heard any of his teachings, but I am a fan of his friend Josh Korda at the New York City branch of "Dharma Punx". Korda gives some of the most clear and concise talks on Buddhism I've come across in a very down-to-earth style. The punk-rock shtick, at least with Korda's group, seems really only to be a matter of making Buddhism more inviting to people who may feel out-of-place or uncomfortable in a traditional Buddhist gathering. It allows for people to bring some of the trappings of their their everyday identity (tattoos, punk-rock ethos, music preferences, etc.) along with them as a sort of "security blanket." As Element said, if it helps people,, I don't see the problem. However, I don't know enough about Levine or his following to address any of the points you mentioned, unfortunately, AnonofIbid.