Chuang Yen Monastery

Chuang Yen Monastery is a beautiful, peaceful, and serene Buddhist Monastery located in Putnam County, NY. The monastery houses the largest Buddha Vairocana statue in the Western hemisphere. The statue is 37 feet in height and is surrounded by several smaller Buddhist statues. The statue is housed in the Great Buddha Hall. The monastery also has several temples, a reflecting lake, a library, and memorial terraces. On the walk up to the Great Buddha Hall the statues are great works of art. Most of the buildings in the monastery are designed in the style of China's Tang Dynasty. The monastery is a lovely respite from the bustling city, and an oasis of serenity and beautiful gardens. The name Chuang Yen means "majestically adorned" and this place certainly is. When the monastery was opened in 1989, the Dalia Llama visited. The monastery is free to visit just check their visiting hours ahead of time. There is a gift-shop near the back of the Great Buddha Hall. Overall, a great place for peace and serenity.

The scenery here is very beautiful, it feels peaceful and far away from the noise of the city. Although the transportation is not the most convenient (you may need to take uber after arriving by train), it is definitely worth the trip. Whether you are interested in meditation or just want a quiet place to relax, this is a wonderful place to visit. Highly recommended.

A BEAUTIFUL PEACEFUL AMAZING PLACE!!! MET THE MOST WONDERFUL PERSON, THAT VOLUNTEERS THERE AND HAS BEEN FOR OVER 40+ YEARS!!! WILL BE RETURNING... OFTEN!

Chuang Yen Monastery – I’ve been coming to Chuang Yen Monastery since childhood, and it’s always been a peaceful retreat. The stunning Giant Buddha is awe-inspiring, and the serene grounds are perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and there’s a calming energy here that makes it a wonderful spot for reflection. Please be respectful and read the signs, as there are many people who live here and prefer their privacy. When you explore, make sure it’s with respect and consideration. Chuang Yen Monastery is a special place that feels like a sanctuary. It’s been a part of my life for so long, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone seeking peace and tranquility. 🕊️🌿🕊️🌿

How fortunate. Came here on a weekday and find that this week marks the 60th anniversary of The Buddhist Association of the United States. A lot of people from all over and staying overnight at the monastery to celebrate. If you want, you can be part of the celebration. Even if you're not inclined to participate, you can still walk around the grounds to relax and take in the scenery. It's so peaceful here.

We came here since year 2000 with our kids when they were young. We went yesterday since COVID, and I am disappointed. The buildings are about the same, still not very well maintained. The main Buddha building smells like mold inside. We especially disappointed at the lunch, the potato were not cooked completely, too much ketchup sauce so they taste sour, and the cabbage is also not cooked so they are too hard, the second dish we had were the cucumbers but tasted bitter. They need to do better for the food as many people are going to there to enjoy the complete package of the monastery experience.

A true gem, beautiful and simple, surrounded by nature, a peace that you feel the moment you enter.

Just about 1 hour drive away from Manhattan this place offers a very different vibe. An easy walk around the compound takes you through an avenue of traditional statues, the main temple with the famous larger than life Buddha, and a small picturesque pond. There are restrooms, a small gift shop and you can also share the devotees vegetarian lunch or witness some of their ceremonies. Please review the website to see additional important visit details, learning opportunities and visitor rules.