The Chan Meditation Center in New York

　　The Chan Meditation Center is located on the East Coast of New York. In addition to being home to the only thousand-year-old Guanyin statue in the Americas—which is its biggest attraction—the temple’s Ju Ruo Memorial Library is also a major draw, attracting hundreds of scholars who come to study Buddhism and comparative religion. Ju Ruo was the wife of Dr. Shen Jia-cheng, a couple who devoted their entire fortune to building the Chan Meditation Center. Originally a magnate in the American shipping industry, Dr. Shen sold all his ships to purchase this mountainous land with thousands of acres of forests and lakes, where he built the Chan Meditation Center. He established a religious research institute and invited the world-renowned engineer I.M. Pei to design the Guanyin Hall, which was constructed entirely in the style of ancient Tang Dynasty temples without using a single nail. He then successively added the Mahavira Hall and other structures, inviting eminent monks to reside, preach, and teach the Dharma. For scholars, the Ju Ruo Memorial Library is truly a treasure trove, thus drawing researchers from far and wide. The center has also produced Buddhist scripture CDs for distribution to benefit the public.

　　Another highlight of the Chan Meditation Center is its interfaith prayer gatherings, which have invited representatives from various religions to pray together on multiple occasions. As seen on television and in media publications, around forty to fifty Catholic monks and nuns from the nearby St. Mel’s Church in San Marino were invited to the temple to pray for world peace alongside Buddhists, both monastics and laypeople. The believers of the two faiths stood on either side under the thousand-year-old Guanyin statue, each praying according to their own religious rites—chanting their own hymns and reciting their own prayers. After the service, the Chan Meditation Center provided a vegetarian meal, and participants shared a meal together while exchanging insights. Such harmonious interfaith gatherings may be unique in the world. If all religions in the world could be as harmonious, mutually respectful, and cooperative, it would surely contribute to world peace. Unfortunately, only the Catholic Church has been willing to collaborate with the Chan Meditation Center, while other religions have shown little enthusiasm.

　　If you are traveling in the eastern United States, consider visiting the Chan Meditation Center for a unique spiritual experience. However, you might not get to see the retired and reclusive Dr. Shen Jia-cheng, but if you’re lucky, you may have the chance to listen to his occasional lectures and teachings.

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

　　Admission:

　　Free admission.