Heart of the Blue Ridge Sangha (HBRS) was founded by Laurie Seidel in 2006; initially the group met at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke. It began as a meditation program in the spirit of, but not limited to, Thich Nhat Hanh’s Mindfulness Practice. Soon, HBRS outgrew the space at the church, and moved to the Yoga Center in Grandin Village. After several years at the Yoga Center, HBRS moved to a new location at Empower Pilates & Yoga.

Within 5 years, Covid hit! HBRS was forced to move to a zoom format for over 2 years. When it was decided to meet again, in person, HBRS was fortunate to find space at the Grandin Wellness Center. This space, though appreciated, was small. On the lookout for a more accommodating space, HBRS was glad to find 5 Points Music Sanctuary, where we now meet.

Laurie Seidel, the founder of HBRS, formally received the Five Mindfulness Trainings from Thich Nhat Hanh and was ordained into the Order of Interbeing by Thich Nhat Hanh, receiving her Dharma Name: Chan Dong Thien or True Collective Goodness. Under Laurie’s compassionate and wise leadership, HBRS took wing. After 12 years, in 2018, Laurie stepped back from the leadership role. Mike Adams stepped into this position primarily to facilitate the Sunday morning meditations. He had attended 3 week-long retreats with Thich Nhat Hahn and received the Five Mindfulness Trainings from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2009. His Dharma Name is Deep Understanding of the Heart.

After 2 years, at Mike’s suggestion, a Care Taking Council (CTC) was formed as the leadership body for the Sangha. The initial CTC composed of Sangha volunteers, facilitated Sunday morning meditations. The CTC meets monthly to set policy, schedules and other administrative matters necessary to support the Sangha. The current (2025) CTC is made up of Alan Gleiner, Brooke Saul, Jim Borling, Kirk Ballin and Patty Cargill.

Heart of the Blue Ridge Sangha is affiliated with the tradition of Plum Village, France, the monastery founded in 1982 by Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay). No membership or dues are required to be a part of the Sangha. We welcome donations, or Dana, the Buddhist tradition of voluntary support.