Who We Are
We are a Sangha (gathering of spiritual friends) learning and meditating together, led by John Blackburn. John has practiced meditation for over fifty years, practicing intensively with teachers in the Vipassana, Zen and Dzogchen traditions.
Some of us are new to the practice of meditation; others have decades of experience. Our members come from all walks of life and a variety of spiritual traditions. All are welcome!
What We Offer
Classes Offered
- Beginning Mindfulness Meditation
- The Four Noble Truths
- Opening the Heart: Metta (Loving-Kindness) Meditation
- Lojong: Tibetan Mind Training
- The Bodhisattva Path
- Unconditional Love, 1
- Unconditional Love, 2
- Unconditional Love, 3
- Wisdom: The Power of Investigation
Private Instruction
- For those who prefer not to be in classes
- Structured to fit student's schedule and objectives
- Can be in person or on Zoom
Weekly Meetings (Sangha)
Thursdays 6:30-8:00 pm
- On Zoom every week
- In person on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month
- Includes guided meditation, a period of teaching & discussion
- Suitable for new as well as experienced meditators
- No charge to attend. All are welcome
Upcoming Classes
Beginning Mindfulness Meditation
Sundays January 5-26, 2025
2:00-3:30 pm
Meaningful Life Center & On Zoom
There is no fee for this class.
This course is designed for beginners. It is also appropriate for anyone wanting to establish or re-establish a meditation practice. If you have had trouble being consistent in meditation, taking a class can be a good way to energize and re-dedicate yourself.
This class will be taught by Alan Clingan, a member of The Knoxville Community of Mindfulness and a senior meditation student of John Blackburn's.
"When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love."
"To practice the Four Noble Truths, you yourself have to touch deeply the things that bring you peace and joy. When you do, you realize that walking on the Earth is a miracle, washing the dishes is a miracle, and practicing with a community of friends is a miracle. The greatest miracle is to be alive.”
Practicing the Four Noble Truths
Sundays, February 2-23, 2025
2:00-3:30 pm
Meaningful Life Center & On Zoom
There is no fee for this class.
Suffering is an undeniable part of the human condition. We all experience it, but we don’t understand it or know how to free ourselves from its grip. We try various methods and techniques that help us feel better for a while, but inevitably we find ourselves ensnared once again — often by the same issues. How can we escape this circular pattern? The teachings called the Four Noble Truths offer profound insights into our dilemma. Practicing these insights leads to the end of suffering.
This class will be taught by Ellen Cole, a member of The Knoxville Community of Mindfulness and a senior meditation student of John Blackburn's.
Opening the Heart: Metta (Loving-Kindness) Meditation
Sundays March 2-23, 2025
2:00-3:30 pm
Meaningful Life Center & On Zoom
There is no fee for this class.
Opening the Heart is the path to well-being and happiness. When we are caught in fear, self-absorption, and judgement, the heart feels constricted. Freed of its fear, the heart naturally opens, and we begin to relate to ourself, to others, and to all life with love, compassion, joy, and wisdom. The teachings and practices known as The Four Immeasureables are time-tested methods for cultivating fearlessness and allowing the full-flowering of our natural capacity to be in relationship.
No prior meditation experience is needed to take this class.
This class will be taught by Chris Miller, a member of The Knoxville Community of Mindfulness and a senior meditation student of John Blackburn's.
"The essence of loving kindness is being able to offer happiness. ... You can’t offer happiness until you have it for yourself. So build a home inside by accepting yourself and learning to love and heal yourself."