What Students Say About Private Instruction
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From a Current Student
I have been interested in the potential benefits of meditation for personal growth and well-being for many years, and have tried to learn the practice from books, videos, and short courses. They all led to enthusiastic beginnings that ultimately culminated in failure.
Last year I decided to try one last time and considered two options: A long-term retreat or trying to find a teacher willing to instruct me in the fundamentals of meditation and, most importantly, to help me develop approaches for staying with it. I thought that either approach would involve regular travel somewhere out of town. While seeking advice from several sources, a friend casually mentioned: “Why go through all that trouble when we have a very skilled practitioner right here in Knoxville?” He introduced me to John Blackburn.
John’s knowledge of meditation is impressive, and he excels as a teacher who is caring, patient, and supportive. Through weekly lessons, I’ve learned the fundamentals of a sitting posture, breathing, and “coming back” when my mind wanders. But the most important aspect of what I’m learning from him is that meditation is simply the foundation for a broader approach to a mindful way to live. The benefits I have already derived from taking classes with John have exceeded my expectations and promise to have long-lasting benefits that I can only imagine at this point.
After all the failures of trying to do it on my own, I am now convinced that any serious approach to learning meditation can benefit immensely from regular sessions with a qualified teacher. I think we are fortunate to have such a resource right here in Knoxville, and I highly recommend taking private lessons with John to anyone who wants to succeed.
Ralph G., Professor of Electrical Engineering
From a Current Student
I have been working with John for almost a year. My decision to learn meditation practice was motivated by longstanding, oppressive anxiety and depression, as well as feelings of worthlessness.
John is very welcoming. He has been so patient and encouraging as I sometimes struggled with the meditation. Much to my surprise, I have made great progress in the practice itself as well as benefitting from my aspirations to conduct my life according to its foundational precepts. For this I am grateful to John’s ability to communicate and his deep understanding of the practice and its history.
The distressing thoughts, moods, and behaviors that plagued me have significantly diminished. When they do occur, I now use healthier, more productive coping skills. My friends and family have also benefitted as I have learned to be kinder, more generous, and less self-centered.
I respect and admire John, and our weekly sessions are both stimulating and soothing. He is able to work with my schedule, even if something unexpected occurs. John has consistently offered support when stressful events crop up.
And-very important to me-his sense of humor.
As both a former mental health practitioner and patient, I can testify that during the time I have been working with John, I have made many more significant positive changes than during the years I have spent in psychotherapy. I am more at ease, content, and grateful for this life.
Karen S., Psychiatrist
From a Current Student
Off and on for more than 30 years I had maintained a meditation practice which I initially began to help relieve anxiety. When I was practicing diligently this was indeed the outcome. But my practice frequently felt stale, routine and sometimes I thought of it as a chore or a distraction from more "important" things. There were long gaps in time when I did not practice and only some crisis or setback caused me to restart it.
I moved to Knoxville in 2000 where I was fortunate to meet John Blackburn. My practice had always been self taught and solitary with only the aid of books and audio. I thought this was what meditation was supposed to be. I was invited to join the Thursday night Knoxville Community of Mindfulness Sangha and initially felt self-conscious and uncomfortable practicing with others. But that changed.
Over the years, attending the Sangha and more recently working with John personally, my meditation practice has become a greater source of peace, joy and insight than I would have imagined. I look forward to Thursday night Sangha, and have learned to appreciate the connection and shared sense of purpose, commitment and support from practicing with others. Although we have not met as a group in person since the pandemic, our zoom meetings still provide this weekly opportunity to practice together and gain knowledge from John's Dharma talks and depth from his guided meditations. I have also taken group classes taught by John which helped me establish a stronger foundation for my practice and have come to understand that the difficulties I face in continuing to deepen my practice are universal. This too has helped me to maintain a higher level of commitment.
However, the greatest insight and support for my daily practice has come through one on one instruction with John. John is a highly skilled teacher, and I am the beneficiary of his years of commitment to the study and practice of Buddhism and of the wisdom he has gained during years of silent retreats, and personal instruction from a number of highly respected teachers. He shares this generously in the context of our weekly discussions where I have the opportunity to reflect and gain insight into my struggles both on the cushion and after that while interacting with others. The insights I have gained through John's personal instruction are immeasurable and have continued to support my aspiration to be a more compassionate, equanimous and loving human.
I would encourage anyone questioning whether personal instruction would be helpful to try it. Virtually all things that one wishes to master are aided by a mentor, guide, coach or teacher. John has served me in all of these roles.
Bobby G., Tech Executive and Entrepreneur
From a Current Student
Over the last five years, I’ve had quite a few private consultations with John – and I have found them to be truly life-altering in the best way possible. John is extraordinarily skilled at getting to the root of a problem. Often, in just a single session, John will show you that the “problem” you thought you had was really just the product of your own mind -- a notion or perception or expectation that you’ve been carrying around with you that you erroneously took to be “true.”
For example, you may see that you’ve been deeply invested in an image of yourself that you unrealistically expect other people to ratify. Or you may have formed an image of another person that led you to believe that he or she was indispensable to your happiness. Or your life may be full of conflict because of the expectations that you’ve set for other people – expectations that they don’t share and have no intention of honoring. Or perhaps you’ve led your life in thrall to unexamined assumptions about who you are and what you must accomplish to consider yourself a “success.”
It’s extraordinarily liberating to see that what’s been enchaining you is just your own mental fabrications – and to experience how quickly the mental chains dissolve once you see them for what they are. In my experience, no one does a better job of cutting through mental Gordian knots than John Blackburn. I recommend him without reservation to anyone who is looking for a happier life.
Jack W., Attorney
From a Current Student
I have been meeting with John each week for the last 3 months. I made the decision to start private instruction after taking group classes on and off for years without being able to maintain a regular practice or use what I'd learned to bring greater peace and equanimity to daily life. Meditation is not easy, but John has given me the support and encouragement to make REAL change in my life.
If you are considering this, but have reservations, I recommend you give it a try!
Peace!!
Gary S., Mortgage Broker
From a Current Student
After years of reading dozens of Buddhist books, and unsuccessfully attempting to establish my own meditation practice, I found John. Under his gentle and knowledgeable guidance, I now meditate daily, and have incorporated meaningful Buddhist practices into my everyday life.
P.K.
From a Current Student
As founder and CEO of my company, I am bombarded daily with business issues, large and small. Working with John, I now have an established meditation practice, and my anxiety, (self-induced) suffering, and internal storytelling have improved tremendously.
RAS, M.D.
From a Current Student
I am 44 years old. I dabbled in meditation and yoga throughout my 20's and 30's, never really understanding what I was doing or feeling like I was accomplishing anything. When the pandemic hit, I took the time to renew my efforts at meditation. I subscribed to an app and practiced guided meditations off and on for the next 2 years. I definitely learned a lot during that time using guided meditations, but still had many questions that I just wasn't finding answers to.
When I moved to Knoxville, I decided this was the time to seek out a teacher. Someone that could help me with my practice and the questions I still had. I reached out to John and explained my situation. John graciously agreed to meet with me in person which was very helpful for me. We have since continued to meet either in person during The Four Noble Truths teaching or virtually as needed. John has been very accommodating.
John has really helped me set a solid foundation in my daily meditation practice. His guidance has helped me overcome obstacles and understand the basic principles of meditation. This is a lifelong journey and it is nice to know that I can count on John as a guide as I continue my path.