Free Intro to Buddhism and Meditation Course Offered at New Dharma Center

Online, September 12, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center (ADMC) is offering a free six-week course called "An Introduction to Buddhism and Meditation" beginning Sunday, October 7, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The classes will cover Buddha's life, his basic philosophy, and his prescription for overcoming suffering in our lives. Several different types of meditation will also be taught.

This is a opportunity for anyone who has ever been interested in discovering more about meditation and Buddhism to learn about the practice and the new Center in an opening and welcoming environment.

The Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center celebrated its one year anniversary in June. ADMC is a place where Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness and meditation can be learned and practiced. "Dharma" refers to the Buddha's teachings and philosophy. Mindfulness and meditation can be practiced by anyone for stress relief, healing or for Buddhist awareness of mind. The Center welcomes anyone interested in Buddhism or meditation.

ADMC was established as an offshoot of a Buddhist group that met for 10 years under the auspices of the Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Gray, Tennessee. Based on the results of a survey of local Buddhists, the group sought a more centralized location for the extended Tri-Cities Buddhist population. A suitable location was found in Johnson City and is now a busy place.

There are a number of groups practicing various Buddhist traditions at the Center, including Zen, Vipassana , Western Buddhism, and the soon-to-be-added Tibetan Buddhist tradition. There are also groups related to Buddhist healing; a grief support group starts October 1, there is a 12-Step program for Buddhists, and the Tibetan healing practice of Chöd is offered several times a month.

The Center also provides outreach to local prison inmates who wish to practice Buddhism, and occasionally brings in nationally known Buddhist teachers for special talks. The Center has just received its 501c3 designation as a non-profit religious and educational organization, and recently held its first fundraiser (a yard sale) with excellent results.

ADMC is located at 108 West 10th Avenue, Johnson City, TN. For more information on attending the introduction class or any other groups and courses, contact [email protected]. For more information about the Center and its offerings, check out the Appalachian Dharma and Meditation Center's website at www.dharma4et.org.