A Buddhist Pilgrimage Experience
Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Carmel, NY Rain Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026 Free of Charge | All Are Welcome | No RSVP Required
Have you ever stood before something so vast and still that your mind simply stopped — and in that stopping, something quietly opened?
That is the gift of a Buddhist pilgrimage.
Join Buddhist Faith Fellowship for our annual spiritual field trip to Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, New York — one of the most breathtaking Buddhist sacred sites in all of North America — for a day of inspiration, exploration, community, and deep spiritual nourishment.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or a member of BFF to join us. This event is completely free of charge. Simply show up. All are welcome.
ABOUT CHUANG YEN MONASTERY
Nestled in the rolling hills of Putnam County, New York — just 20 minutes from Danbury, CT — Chuang Yen Monastery is home to one of the most remarkable Buddhist landmarks in the Western Hemisphere: the largest indoor Buddha statue in the entire Western world, a magnificent 37-foot Vairocana Buddha surrounded by 10,000 smaller Buddha figures lining the walls of the Great Buddha Hall.
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or simply curious, stepping into this space is an experience that stays with you
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your day will include:
🏛️ Guided monastery tour — approximately 1 hour, beginning at 10:00 AM at the office to the front left of Great Buddha Hall 🧘 Group sitting meditation — 20 minutes of quiet contemplative practice in the beautiful Kuan Yin Hall at approximately 11:30 AM 🍜 Traditional Chinese vegetarian lunch at 12 noon ($7 per person — payable at the monastery) 📚 Free Buddhist books — the Great Buddha Hall offers a generous selection of free dharma books to take home 🛍️ Gift shop — Chinese and Tibetan and Buddhist art, gifts, and practice supplies 📖 Library — thousands of books on Buddhism available to browse 🪷 Lotus pond gazebo — a beautiful spot for quiet contemplation, walking meditation, or simply enjoying the grounds 🌿 Beautiful grounds — perfect for children, families, and anyone who simply wants to breathe and be
After lunch, the afternoon is yours. Explore freely, sit quietly, browse the gift shop or library, or take a short stroll into the charming hamlet of Carmel, New York nearby.
WHAT IS A BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE?
A Buddhist pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred or spiritually significant place undertaken for inspiration, learning, and connection with the dharma, the life of the Buddha, and the lineage of great masters. Unlike some religious traditions, pilgrimage in Buddhism is not a duty or requirement — it is a skillful and joyful way to deepen one’s relationship with the teachings, the culture, and the community of fellow travelers on the path.
ITINERARY
a. Getting There — Drive Independently or Join Our Caravan You are welcome to drive to the monastery on your own. If you prefer to carpool or travel together in a caravan, meet us at the Park and Ride Southington Location — I-84 at Route 10 (Exit 28). Look for the organizer(s) in a silver Honda CR-V displaying bright Tibetan prayer flags. We depart promptly at 8:30 AM — please arrive a few minutes early.
b. Travel Time Approximately 90 minutes from Hartford/Middletown to the monastery, just off I-84 in New York. 📍 Address: Chuang Yen Monastery, Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512
c. Arriving at the Monastery — Before 9:45 AM Please aim to arrive before 9:45 AM so we can gather as a group in the parking lot before the tour begins. The organizer(s) will have brightly colored Tibetan prayer flags and will be driving a silver Honda CR-V. If you cannot find the group, meet near the restrooms at the left front side of Great Buddha Hall.
d. Guided Tour — 10:00 AM (approx. 1 hour) Meet at the office/restrooms to the front left of Great Buddha Hall.
e. Group Sitting Meditation — approximately 11:30 AM 20 minutes of quiet sitting practice in the Kuan Yin Hall.
f. Traditional Chinese Vegetarian Lunch — 12:00 Noon Cost: $7 per person, payable at the monastery.
g. Free Afternoon Gift shop, library, lotus pond gazebo, monastery grounds, and optional visit to Carmel hamlet nearby. Return home whenever you like.
Note: If you carpool with others, please arrange your return time in advance.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
📅 Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026 🌧️ Rain Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026 🕙 Tour Begins: 10:00 AM 📍 Location: Chuang Yen Monastery, Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512 💵 Cost: Free (lunch $7 per person, payable at monastery) 🚗 Carpool Meetup: Park and Ride, I-84 Exit 28, Southington CT — depart 8:30 AM sharp 👨👩👧 Who Can Attend: Everyone — Buddhists, non-Buddhists, families, and first-timers all welcome 📋 RSVP: Not required — just show up!
For more information about the monastery and directions: 🔗 https://www.baus.org/en/visit-us/faq/plan-a-visit