Who We Are
Website is under reconstruction. Please excuse the mess.
It is still functional, just not cohesive.
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!
upcoming classes
"Everything that is most important to human beings is dependent upon love. Powerful and enduring love, grounded in wisdom is the panacea to cure the ills of this world, starting with our own. We all have this curative power of goodness within us; all we need are the means to unveil it.”
unconditional love, part 8
Sundays November 1-22
2:00-3:30 pm
Online
Tibetan Buddhism holds that everyone has the innate capacity both to receive and to extend unconditional love and compassion. The meditations in this class help us access that capacity experientially.
The meditations are drawn from the Dzogchen (Great Perfection) tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, yet they are informed by modern psychology and designed for western audiences. The instructions are quite clear and precise, and they easily can be adapted to anyone's spiritual tradition or worldview.
You can take class even if you have not taken the other classes in this series. Meditation experience required.
Beginning Mindfulness Meditation
Sundays January 10-31 2027
2:00-3:30 pm
Meaningful Life Center & on Zoom
No charge, but registration is required
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 Chris Miller, who is an advanced meditation student of John's.
No prior meditation experience is needed to take this class.
Registration Opens Soon
"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 7-28 2027
2:00-3:30 pm
Meaningful Life Center & on Zoom
No charge, but registration is required
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 Alan Clingan, who is an advanced meditation student of John's.
No prior meditation experience is needed to take this class.
Registration Opens Soon
Opening the Heart: Metta (Loving-Kindness) Meditation
Sundays March 7-28, 2027
2:00-3:30 pm
Meaningful Life Center & on Zoom
No charge, but registration is required
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.This class will be taught by Rachel Loeske, an advanced meditation student of John's.
No prior meditation experience is needed to take this class.
Registration Opens Soon
"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."
"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.”
Four foundations of mindfulness
Sundays March 7-28 2027
2:00-3:30 pm
Meaningful Life Center & on Zoom
No charge, but registration is required
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 Series
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