In 1981, the late Zen teacher Maurine Stuart founded a sitting group at Phillips Exeter Academy, an elite boarding school in New Hampshire. The group started as a small gathering in the school's wrestling room, and over time grew into a vibrant community of students and teachers interested in practicing meditation and studying the teachings of Buddhism.
The Exeter sitting group, which is still active today, offers a unique opportunity for young people to explore the teachings of Zen and Buddhism in a supportive and welcoming environment. Participants in the group learn mindfulness practices such as breathing meditation, walking meditation, and mindful listening, and engage in discussions and readings to deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings.
For many students at Exeter, the sitting group offers a space for reflection and contemplation amidst the pressures of academic and social life. By cultivating mindfulness and compassion, students are better able to manage stress and build meaningful relationships with their peers and with the wider world.
The Exeter sitting group has also had a strong impact on the wider community, with many alumni going on to become leaders in the field of mindfulness and meditation. Maurine Stuart's legacy lives on through the many lives she touched through her teachings, and the Exeter sitting group remains a testament to the power of Buddhist practice to transform hearts and minds.
If you're interested in learning more about the Exeter sitting group, or in starting a sitting group of your own, we encourage you to explore resources such as Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and to connect with local teachers and communities. Whether you're a student, teacher, or simply interested in the practice of mindfulness, the Exeter sitting group offers a welcoming space to deepen your practice and connect with others on the path.