Free Buddhist Temple Tours Upstate New York in Sullivan County Catskills
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Take a Free Tour of the World Peace Buddhist Temple at Kadampa Meditation Center New York
TEMPLE VISITING HOURS: Friday & Saturday: 1:30 – 4pm | Sunday: 12:15 – 2pm and 3-4pm | Monday: 1 – 4pm
The Temple was constructed largely by Kadampa builders and volunteers. It’s one of only six Kadampa World Peace Temples and people travel here from all over the world. Everyone can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take in the magnificent statues and join our beginner-friendly weekly classes — a volunteer is always available for questions.
The Temple’s unique design is based on the celestial palace of Heruka, the Buddha of Compassion. The design also represents all the stages of the spiritual path.
Just seeing it reminds us that we have the potential to improve our human nature and qualities through developing the capacity of our mind.
Stroll around the Kadampa Buddhist World Peace Temple. Buddhists believe that walking around a Temple that houses a statue of Buddha brings great good fortune. It is called ‘circumambulating’ and is usually done in a clockwise direction.
Nature Trails & Gardens
Our grounds are open daily from 9am to dusk. We are in the heart of the southern Catskills near the Upper Delaware River — a naturally serene and beautiful environment. Explore the woodland trails and enjoy our tranquil ponds, streams and gardens. Leashed dogs are welcome! Our trails are rocky and not maintained in the winter. Please wear proper footwear and stay on trail or you may wind up in someone else’s property!
82 acres include tranquil spots to sit and contemplate in nature, photo-worthy views of the World Peace Temple, and short nature trails in the woodlands. Enjoy walking on the grounds, including a pond, garden, streams and soft springy moss. Outdoor seating areas, picnic tables and hidden nature benches.
Bookstore & Gift Shop
Located in the Temple veranda, our bookstore and gift shop carries Buddhist books, prayers and artwork published by Tharpa Publications — as well as a wide range of unique gifts, including meditation accessories, stationery, jewelry, candles, incense and more!
SHOP HOURS: Friday & Saturday: 1:00 – 4pm | Sunday: 12:15 – 4pm | Monday: 1 – 4pm.
World Peace Cafe Coffee Shop
We serve locally roasted coffee, teas, sweet and savory vegetarian snacks and more, with wheat-free and vegan options. Our outdoor seating overlooks the Temple, the grounds and the woods. Grab a drink before class, meet a friend or find a quiet place to read. Our cafe is run entirely by volunteers, and if you want to help, let us know!
CAFE OPENING HOURS: Friday & Saturday: 1 – 4pm | Sunday: 10 – 10:45am and 12:15 – 4pm.
Grab a Community Meal
We provide daily vegetarian home-cooked lunches and dinners to our diverse and friendly community of Kadampa Buddhists, including ordained monks and nuns. Join us nourishing and affordable meal to discuss and ask questions. Meals are $10/each, with vegan and wheat-free options. We are unable cater for other diets and our kitchen uses tree nuts. Please RSVP at least 24 hours in advance at (845) 856-9000. You can also pre-book our “meditation and a meal” combo online for our Monday Wednesday and Sunday ongoing weekly classes.
For more information call 845-856-9000 or visit KadampaNewYork.org
Getting Here
Kadampa Meditation Center New York is located at 47 Sweeney Road in Glen Spen, NY just 4 miles from Hawk's Nest Highway - iconic New York State 97 - Upper Delaware Scenic Byway. By car, you can arrive from New York City in about 2 hours, depending on traffic. There are also train and bus options available from NYC and other major transportation hubs. Port Jervis, NY and Matamoras, PA are the closest public transit stops to KMC NY.
If you are looking for unique things to do in upstate NY or hidden places in upstate New York, Kadampa Meditation Center World Peace Buddhist Temple is one!
Free online Meditation and Buddhism Books and Resources:
1) Buddhist Podcasts Free - No subscription, No signup.
2) Free Online Meditation Audio - Learn how to meditate. Includes guided meditation for beginners. No subscription, No signup.
3) Free Meditation Book "How to Transform Your Life" and Modern Buddhism eBook download. No subscription, No signup.
Best Guided Meditations youtube - How to Meditate and Introduction to Buddhist Meditation youtube videos includes: Guided Meditations for Beginners, Meditation on Karma, Meditations on Overcoming Anger and more.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.