Field Trip to Chuang Yen Monastery

Come along for an informal pilgrimage to the beautiful Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY on Sunday, August 10, 2025, starting at 10 a.m. You don’t have to be a Buddhist or even a member of our Fellowship to participate. This is a free of charge event. Just RSVP & commit to go and just show up. However, the monastery is asking for a $7 donation for lunch.
This spiritual field trip will include an inspirational monastery tour, free books, traditional Chinese vegetarian lunch, and opportunities for sitting, walking, and/or contemplative meditation.


This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Buddhist teachings, art, history, and culture, and enjoy a beautiful day with others on the path. So, bring your interested family and friends. Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY (just 20 min from Danbury) offers North America's tallest indoor Buddha statue, and so more.
What is the meaning of a Buddhist pilgrimage?
A buddhist pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred or religious site to learn about the dharma (buddhist teachings) and the life of the Buddha, and the great masters. The goal is for religious experience, inspiration, and spiritual growth. Unlike other religions, undertaking a pilgrimage is not a requirement or duty but rather it a skillful way to connect with the religion, and its culture, and fellow travelers on the path.
To learn more about the monastery and get directions by visiting: https://www.baus.org/en/visit-us/faq/plan-a-visit

#### Itinerary

a. You may drive to the monastery on your own or you can car pool or follow in a caravan. If you wish to car pool or just travel along in a caravan. If you would like to together, please meet us at the Park and Ride Southington Location - I-84 @Route 10 (Exit 29). Look for the organizer, who will be displaying bright Tibetan prayer flags to help you find the group. We will be departing promptly at 8:30 a.m., so please arrive a few minutes early to ensure a timely departure.
b. It takes 90 min. from Hartford/Middletown to arrive at the monastery, just off I-84 New York. Visit Google maps, MapQuest or use your GPS. The address is: Chuang Yen Monastery, Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512.
c. Arriving at Monastery before 9:45 a.m. At this point, we’ll stretch our legs and have the restroom break. Try to arrive on time before 9:45 a.m. so we can meet in the parking lot. The organizer will have brightly colored Tibetan prayer flags and driving a Honda CRV. If not, we can meet near the restrooms at the left front side of the Great Buddha Hall.
d. Guided tour begins at 10:00 a.m. (at the office/restrooms) to the front left of Great Buddha Hall) and will last approx.1 hour.
e. At 11:30 we will return to the Kuan Yin Hall for a 20 min. quiet sitting meditation practice.
f. Chinese vegetarian lunch at 12 noon. (cost $7 per person)
g. Otherwise, after lunch it will be free time. There is a 1) gift shop, 2) library with thousands of books on Buddhism, 3) gazebo next the lotus pond 4) beautiful grounds to contemplate, meditate or run (if you have children), and 5) Great Buddha Hall, where they give out many free Buddhist books of many titles.
h. Nearby you can visit the little hamlet of Carmel, New York. You can return home when you like. If you decide to car pool, be sure to first let others know when you need to return to CT.