Fridays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Sequoyah Hills, Knoxville
The Sacred Story Studio seeks to cultivate a deep reverence for sacred texts while encouraging a rigorous yet open-minded approach to spiritual learning. It is a place where the mind, body, and spirit engage in a harmonious pursuit of wisdom and understanding.
Imagine a serene, non-denominational space dedicated to the study of sacred texts, blending the contemplative atmosphere of a reading room (Bet Midrash) with the immersive environment of a dojo, Zendo, or yoga class. The Sacred Story Studio is a tranquil, analog space where individuals from all walks of life – seekers and heretics, bards and prophets – gather to engage with sacred texts from a variety of religious and spiritual traditions. This unique center offers an environment that encourages deep, meditative learning, rigorous mental and spiritual discipline, and a sense of community.
Students and teachers present, share, discuss and read together (in havruta) from Texts of Enduring Worth (as most broadly defined): Gilgamesh and Psalms, John Coltrane and The Vedas, William Shakespeare and Seneca, Attar’s “Conference of the Birds” and T. S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets,” painting by Helen Frankenthaler and Frida Kahlo, essays and stories of James Baldwin, films of Pedro Almodóvar and Akira Kurosawa.
Sacred Story Studio incorporates practices like meditative reading, where students learn to internalize passages with focus and intention, or guided reflection sessions, akin to meditation, as well as open forums where ideas and interpretations are exchanged in a respectful, disciplined manner, without fear of cancellation.
With each reading, we try to answer, “Why is this ‘text’ sacred to you?” (HERE’s an example.) Experienced mentors guide students through their journey, offering personalized instruction, spiritual guidance, and challenges to push their boundaries of understanding. At the heart of the sanctuary is an open, minimalist space, where students engage in structured, mindful practices. This area is used for activities that encourage a disciplined approach to study, such as guided reading sessions, and spiritual journaling. The sanctuary is filled with natural light, shelves lined with sacred texts from various traditions — Torah, Bible, Qur’ans, Bhagavad Gitas, sutras, and more. Comfortable seating areas are interspersed with floor cushions, inviting learners to sit in quiet contemplation or engage in study groups.
