Overview
The Mountain Solid, Water Reflecting Sangha is a mindfulness meditation group in Knoxville, TN. We have been studying the teachings and practicing in the tradition of Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (“Thay”) since 1998. His key teaching is that, through mindfulness, we can learn to live in the present instead of in the past or the future. According to Thay, dwelling in the present moment is the only way to truly develop peace both in one’s self and in the world.
We warmly welcome you no matter your gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability. We value and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all beings and the inherent dignity of all people. We especially encourage those who are new to meditation to attend. While we do not offer formal lessons in meditation, there is an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and discover resources during the social time.
Schedule & Practice
We meet every Sunday from 4 – 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated on our calendar. If it is your first visit, please arrive a little early for a brief orientation. In general, the structure of our practice is as follows. Note: Our Sangha is self-led; we do not have a resident teacher.
Dharma Talk/Reading/Practice (by Thich Nhat Hanh or his followers) – 20 minutes
Walking Meditation (description) – 20 minutes
Sitting Meditation (description) – 20 minutes
Dharma Sharing (description)
Announcements / Socializing
On first Sundays, we generally host a book discussion. You do not have to read the book in advance to participate.
On second Sundays, we recite the Mindfulness Trainings. Afterwards, we practice mindful eating and share a vegetarian potluck in the spirit of fellowship. A full kitchen is available for soups, casseroles, and other warm dishes.
The Sangha periodically hosts Days of Mindfulness and weekend retreats. Please check our calendar and sangha news for upcoming events.
Location
We meet at the West Knoxville Friends Meeting House located at 1517 Meeting House Rd in Knoxville, TN. For directions, please visit the location page.
Carpooling
Please consider requesting or offering a ride to our weekly practice or other events.
Cushions
Chairs are provided. Please bring your own cushion if you prefer one for sitting meditation (or whatever else you need to be comfortable).
Clothing & Protocol
Please dress modestly, comfortably, and appropriately for the weather since we walk outdoors unless it is very inclement (you may always walk indoors if you prefer). We request that shoes be removed in the entranceway out of respect for the meditation space. Please silence any devices such as cellphones which make noise. If you arrive late or leave early, do so as unobtrusively as possible.
Fees/Donations
There is no fee to attend our weekly practice. Regular members are encouraged to offer dana (donations) in order to help support and expand our practice.
Child Care
Children and teenagers aka “young bamboo” are welcome to attend any or all parts of our practice as long as they are not disruptive (you may want to consider having young children just participate in outdoor meditation). We do not offer child care; however, there is a playroom, dining hall, and outdoor spaces which children can enjoy under your supervision.
Religion Students & Other Visitors
Students of Buddhism, family members, and any other interested visitors are welcome to attend our practice. If you simply want to observe, you may sit on the periphery and only participate to whatever degree is comfortable. If you are looking for a speaker or representative on Buddhism, please contact us.
Mailing List
If you would like to receive occasional updates and announcements, please subscribe to our Groups.io mailing list.