James Maddox
Instructor
James works as an aerospace engineer at MSFC and has been meditating and exploring philosophy for more than 25 years.
“Offering a philosophy of unity and peace to the community is a privilege and an opportunity to share something that has given me comfort, insight, and joy over many years of practice. Wisdom, happiness, and freedom are for everyone.”
Jessie Maddox
Website Admin and Treasurer
Jessie is a mom to three daughters. She grew up in England, where she first attended philosophy classes and learned meditation.
“The study of philosophy can sound intimidating, but our classes aim to keep things real-world and feet-on the ground. Everyone is welcome here, especially since one of the main principles of the Advaita philosophy is that we all share a common humanity. This can be summed up in one of my favorite quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird - ‘I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.’”
Lauren Bad
ía
Sipple
Social Media and Advertising
Lauren works as an aerospace engineer and has been a student of the school for 4 years.
“The school fosters open, non-judgmental dialogue, which allows the exchange of different enriching perspectives that help solidify the concept being studied”
Mill Kat Healing arts festival - November 2021
The School of Meditation and Philosophy has been in Huntsville since 2016.
It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
It is affiliated with the School of Economic Science, which began in London in the 1930s in order to discover the underlying factors which led to the economic depression of those times.
By the 1950’s it became apparent that economics as a study was too small in scope, and that only a larger study, a study that dealt with humanity's relation to the universe, its ultimate purpose, and its true nature, would be sufficient to improve the world situation. Thus the study of philosophy began, and it continues to this day.
In the 1960’s, the School’s founder, Leon Maclaren traveled to India and met with Maharaja Sri Shantananda Sarasvati, a spiritual leader in the Advaita tradition. During the meetings, which continued over the years, Mr. Maclaren posed questions on behalf of members of the School of Economic Science and other affiliated schools. The meetings were recorded, transcribed and form the basis of the material for later philosophy groups within the organization.
Advaita Vedanta is a philosophical tradition originating in the ancient past but propounded in recorded history by Adi Shankara around 800 AD and more recently by Swami Ramatirtha and Swami Vivekananda who visited the United States. Its essential message is that consciousness is the basis from which the universe springs, and that mankind’s highest capacity and aim is to reawaken this consciousness within himself. This means a unified life, lived happily and truly, which means harmony within oneself and with the world outside under all conditions. It means a life of strength without loss of receptivity, love without loss of judgment, and insight without the touch of pride.
Leon MacLaren and Maharaja Sri Shantananda Sarasvati passed away in 1994 and 1997, respectively. Meetings continue today between their successors Maharaja Sri Vasudevananda Sarasvati and Donald Lambie.