Chuang Yen Monastery
An Adventure in Mindfulness

During my travels I’ve visited monasteries, but none close to home. Today I changed that by a visit to Chuang Yen Monastery located in Carmel, NY.

It was an opportunity to view the largest Buddha statue in the Western world, learn about meditation and mindfulness, all the beauty and treasures inside the buildings and throughout the property.

It was an immersion in Asian culture, from spiritual, historical and naturalistic perspectives.

It was a place to experience “slow travel” - spend time to see, hear and feel the energy.

But most importantly, I reflected about happiness and perspective.

Visitors mostly kept to themselves out of admiration and respect - including me.

This was a very different kind of day away and it was inspirational.

During peak Fall foliage is a great time to visit!