The Kadampa World Peace Temple

Inspiration, meditation, transformation

By JONATHAN FOX

GLEN SPEY, NY — A visit to the Kadampa Meditation Center and World Peace Temple in Glen Spey is a unique experience. Besides the Buddhist temple, World Peace Cafe, bookstore and gift shop, the center offers “more than 80 acres of grounds, consisting of woodland, streams, large grassy areas and a small lake for visitors to enjoy.”

Although located in a peaceful setting, far from the madding crowd, the center plays an active part in the community and is proud of its support for local organizations. Though exempt from property tax as a non-profit organization, the center makes an annual voluntary donation to support community projects, school and road maintenance and has participated in many local programs, including volunteering for participation in the creation of a children’s playground in Lumberland. Residents of the center also take responsibility for litter removal of a two-mile stretch of County Road 31. Participating in the community that the center serves is admirable. The array of services to the community is astounding.

Aside from weekly services (Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.) the center offers a respite for the weary soul. While parents are meditating, kids learn through “gentle and fun teachings how to respect others, practice kindness and keep a happy heart,” according to the literature at the temple.

The service this last weekend was led by resident teacher Gen Samten Kelsang, who has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for more than 25 years. It started with a welcoming introduction, and included a “liberating prayer-praise to Buddha Shakyamuni,” a guided meditation for a quiet mind, prayers for meditation, and the week’s teaching, titled “Living in the Heart,” which was thought provoking and inspirational for members and visitors alike. Prayers for meditation are traditional Buddhist prayers that are sung to help prepare one’s mind for contemplation. Visitors are welcome to join in, or can simply sit back and enjoy listening to them. The service ended with concluding prayers and a dedication for world peace.

I found the entire experience one of peace, tranquility and beauty. Welcomed with opened arms by the staff and members, I allowed my own mind to be swept up in the cleansing, powerful meditation. It lingers in the mind like a gently flowing stream of quietude and contentment that sweeps over one, releasing tension, worry and the stresses that can be all-consuming in a fast-paced world.

The center’s literature further illustrates the point: “Whether we are seeking relaxation, improvement in our health, or a calmer and more stable mind, Kadampa Meditation Center introductory retreats provide us with an opportunity to take a break from the hectic pace of life.”

The temple itself was “designed and built under Geshe Kelsang’s guidance to represent the celestial palace of Buddha Heruka, the Buddha of compassion. It was constructed largely by volunteer practitioners—artists, craftsmen and builders from around the world.”

The literature goes on to say, “The symbolic architecture of the Temple and its original art endow it with a tranquil beauty that soothes our minds and has deep spiritual meaning. The Temple is treasured by Kadampa practitioners as a holy object that inspires us to attain inner and outer peace.”

The center offers a wide variety of retreats, classes, weekly services and communal spiritual enlightenment. Aside from the temple grounds, where all are welcome seven days a week, the center also provides access to classes throughout the region, from New Paltz, to Milford and Stroudsburg, PA to Ramsey, NJ.

Beginning January 13, the center will offer a series of classes called “Transforming Your Life.” With no pre-registration required, each class (for an $8 fee) includes guided meditation and discussion. One may join in at any time and no prior experience is necessary.

The New Year course is described as “traditionally a time for taking stock of what we’ve accomplished and what we haven’t. Following timeless, practical advice from Buddha, we can discover powerful methods to truly change. There isn’t a better way to begin the new year.”

Having personally experienced the Kadampa Center, I have seen firsthand what changes even one visit can evoke, and look forward to many more inspirational moments as I explore this unique approach to “living in the moment.”

The center is located at 47 Sweeney Road in Glen Spey, and more information can be accessed by visiting kadampanewyork.org or calling 845/856-9000.