Zen Garden Workshop
Project Dialogue was proud to collaborate with the Vanderbilt Buddhist Community to host a Meditation Workshop at the Zen Garden on Tuesday, April 7th at 5pm. This was a one hour event consisting of a guided meditation workshop and a discussion. We invited experienced meditation teacher Lisa Ernst from One Dharma Nashville to help lead the meditation. The program started with a brief introduction to the Vanderbilt Buddhist Community and the new Zen Garden at the Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life. The meditation session followed for 15-20 minutes concluding with a discussion on Buddhism. The discussion topic was relevant to the students during these busy times as it focused on managing stress and finding purpose. Some of us who are involved in the Vanderbilt Buddhist Community also shared some of their experiences with meditation. We ended with light refreshments and tea inside the Chaplain’s Office.
This event introduced students to how mindfulness meditation and Buddhist philosophy can play a positive role in their lives. It also brought in people in the Vanderbilt community who have a more serious interest in Buddhism and wish to become more involved. We wanted to garner interest for the Vanderbilt Buddhist Community and organize a more regular meditation and study group for the next school year. The discussion also served as a safe space where people can freely talk about issues that are of special concern to their lives and communities, and receive support from their peers and the teacher. View photos of the event here.
