Join us for a contemplative day of meditation and reflection amid the fall foliage at Chuang Yen Monastery in Putnam County. This sacred site, home to the largest indoor Buddha statue in the Western Hemisphere, has housed Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi and a vibrant monastic community since 2006.
Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the monastery’s serene grounds and elegant halls—the Kuan Yin Hall (1985) and the Great Buddha Hall (1997), inaugurated by the Dalai Lama—offer a peaceful setting for spiritual practice. The halls house 10,000 mini buddhas and many antique Buddha statues.
Past participants were deeply moved by the beauty and stillness of these sacred spaces, as well as the opportunity to learn about the monastery’s history, rituals, and deep ties to the Buddhist lineage.
We’ll begin our day with quiet exploration, meditating among the walkways and halls as we immerse ourselves in the presence of this living temple. After a lovingly prepared vegetarian lunch offered by monastery volunteers, we’ll head outdoors to walk the grounds and appreciate the fall foliage, connecting with the changing season, the land, and our practice. We will spend much of the day in silence.
Testimonial from past participants:
“Visiting the Chuang Yen Monastery, learning about its history, and spending time in its beautiful spaces with Lin and others from New York Insight was a very special treat.”
About Lunch:
Lunch is served from 11:30am – 1:30pm, and is graciously provided by a team of volunteers who spend their weekends cooking and serving the community. As the monastery relies on donations to continue its work, a suggested contribution of $7 per person is appreciated to help support this beautiful effort. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch.
Bring: Please feel free to bring your own water and snacks, and bug/tick repellent. Please make sure to check for ticks after the event.
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Backpack to carry what you need (we will be walking around for most of the day)
- Organic tick repellent (optional)
- Organic bug repellent (optional)
A Few Guidelines for Your Visit:
As we visit a living monastic community, please be mindful of these guidelines to ensure a respectful and harmonious experience for all:
- Bring only vegetarian foods—no meat, fish, or eggs.
- Respect the flora and fauna: Please refrain from picking any plants, flowers, or vegetables, and avoid disturbing or feeding any animals or fish.
- No smoking or alcohol is allowed anywhere on the premises.
- Drive cautiously: Keep your speed under 15 mph once you enter the monastery grounds, especially in spring when small animals are more active.
- Park in designated areas only.
- Dress appropriately: Please avoid wearing costumes, tank tops, or mini skirts.
- No photography or video is allowed, and drones are prohibited to maintain the peace and serenity of the space.
Location and Meeting Time
- Location: 2020, Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512
- Program Time: 10am – 3pm
- Meeting Time and Location: 10am at the parking lot of the monastery
How to Get There:
- Carpooling: After registering, please fill out the carpooling survey to let us know if you can offer a ride or need one. If you can, your generosity in providing a ride is greatly appreciated. We’ll coordinate rides on the Wednesday before the event.
- Public Transportation: Take the Metro North (Hudson Line) at Grand Central (leaves at 7:55am) to Cold Spring station (arrives at 9:15am), then take an Uber/Lyft to the monastery (~20 minutes). One way off-peak ticket is $15.25. On the return trip, take the 3:30pm train at Cold Spring, and return to Grand Central at 5:01pm. We will also try to coordinate carpools from the train station when possible. Please note, the cost of the train ticket is not included in the registration fee.
Come embrace the tranquility, reflect, and connect with nature and a Buddhist community. We look forward to sharing this experience with you.
This event is limited to 30 participants. Registration is closed by EOD, Wednesday, 10/1, to allow time for carpool coordination.