In conjunction with the current exhibit, Embodying Enlightenment: Buddhist Art of the Himalayas, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture will host a lecture and a calm abiding meditation session at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8.
Prasad Robert Hutter, director of the Acupuncture and Awareness Center in Knoxville, will speak and lead a session in which participants will learn a simple meditation technique called shamata, otherwise known as calm abiding meditation. This technique allows the mind to remain both calm and focused, and is the basis for the advanced wisdom meditation practices symbolized in some of the exhibit’s artwork. He also will draw analogies between Tibetan meditation practices and biblical allegories.
The event will be held in the museum’s auditorium and is free and open to the public.
Embodying Enlightenment explores the rich history of Buddhist art from Tibet, Nepal, China, and India. It features gilded statues and colorful paintings from the eighth century to the present.
Hutter has been studying and teaching meditation and Hatha yoga since 1973. In addition, he is a registered nurse and holds master’s degrees in both public health and acupuncture.
The McClung Museum is located at 1327 Circle Park Drive. Museum admission is free, and the museum’s hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Free two-hour museum parking passes are available from the parking information building at the entrance to Circle Park Drive on the weekdays. Free public transportation to the museum is available via the Knoxville Trolley Vol Line.
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C O N T A C T :
Stacy Palado (865-974-2144, spalado@utk.edu)
Catherine Shteynberg (865-974-6921, cshteynb@utk.edu)