New York’s Chan Meditation Temple

Chan Meditation Temple, New York

The Chan Meditation Temple is located on the East Coast of New York. In addition to housing the only thousand-year-old statue of Guanyin in the Americas, which is its biggest draw, the temple’s Ju-Hwa Ru Memorial Library also attracts hundreds of scholars who come to study Buddhism and comparative religion. Ju-Hwa Ru was the wife of Dr. Shen Jia-cheng. This devoted couple went to great lengths to build the temple—Dr. Shen, once a magnate in the American shipping industry, sold all his ships to purchase this thousand-acre property of mountains, forests, and lakes, where the Chan Meditation Temple now stands. He established a religious studies institute and commissioned world-renowned architectural designer Dr. I.M. Pei to design the Guanyin Hall, following the style of ancient Tang Dynasty temples without using any iron nails. Over time, other structures were added, including the Mahavira Hall, and eminent monks were invited to reside and preach the Dharma. For scholars, the Ju-Hwa Ru Memorial Library is truly a treasure trove, drawing researchers from far and wide. The temple also produces Buddhist scripture CDs to benefit the public.

Another highlight of the Chan Meditation Temple is its interfaith prayer gatherings. On several occasions, representatives from various major religions have been invited to the temple to pray together. As seen in media coverage, around forty to fifty Catholic monks and nuns from the nearby St. Mary’s Parish in San Marino were invited to join Buddhists—both monastics and laypeople—in praying for world peace. Followers of the two faiths stood on either side under the thousand-year-old Guanyin statue, each reciting their own prayers and chants according to their respective traditions. After the event, the temple provided a vegetarian meal, and participants shared insights over the meal. Such harmonious interfaith gatherings may be unique in the world. If all religions in the world could show such mutual respect and cooperation, it would certainly contribute to world peace. Unfortunately, only the Catholic Church has been willing to collaborate with the temple; other religions have shown little interest.

If you’re traveling in the Eastern United States, consider visiting the Chan Meditation Temple for a unique spiritual experience. However, you may not get to meet the retired and reclusive Dr. Shen Jia-cheng, but if you’re lucky, you might attend one of his occasional lectures.

Address: 2020 Rte 301, Carmel, NY

Type: Temple

Phone: +1 845-225-1819

Official Website: http://www.baus.org/en/

Opening Hours:

The Chan Meditation Temple is open to the public based on actual events. For detailed event dates, please visit: http://www.baus.org/en/?cat=108

Ticket Information:

Free admission.