Have you ever stood before something so vast and still that your mind simply stopped \u2014 and in that stopping, something quietly opened?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That is the gift of a Buddhist pilgrimage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join Buddhist Faith Fellowship for our annual spiritual field trip to Chuang Yen Monastery<\/strong> in Carmel, New York \u2014 one of the most breathtaking Buddhist sacred sites in all of North America \u2014 for a day of inspiration, exploration, community, and deep spiritual nourishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do not have to be a Buddhist or a member of BFF to join us. This event is completely free of charge.<\/strong> Simply show up. All are welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestled in the rolling hills of Putnam County, New York \u2014 just 20 minutes from Danbury, CT \u2014 Chuang Yen Monastery<\/strong> is home to one of the most remarkable Buddhist landmarks in the Western Hemisphere: the largest indoor Buddha statue in the entire Western world<\/strong>, a magnificent 37-foot Vairocana Buddha surrounded by 10,000 smaller Buddha figures lining the walls of the Great Buddha Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or simply curious, stepping into this space is an experience that stays with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your day will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Guided monastery tour<\/strong> \u2014 approximately 1 hour, beginning at 10:00 AM at the office to the front left of Great Buddha Hall \ud83e\uddd8 Group sitting meditation<\/strong> \u2014 20 minutes of quiet contemplative practice in the beautiful Kuan Yin Hall at approximately 11:30 AM \ud83c\udf5c Traditional Chinese vegetarian lunch<\/strong> at 12 noon ($7 per person \u2014 payable at the monastery) \ud83d\udcda Free Buddhist books<\/strong> \u2014 the Great Buddha Hall offers a generous selection of free dharma books to take home \ud83d\udecd\ufe0f Gift shop<\/strong> \u2014 Chinese and Tibetan and Buddhist art, gifts, and practice supplies \ud83d\udcd6 Library<\/strong> \u2014 thousands of books on Buddhism available to browse \ud83e\udeb7 Lotus pond gazebo<\/strong> \u2014 a beautiful spot for quiet contemplation, walking meditation, or simply enjoying the grounds \ud83c\udf3f Beautiful grounds<\/strong> \u2014 perfect for children, families, and anyone who simply wants to breathe and be<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n a. Getting There \u2014 Drive Independently or Join Our Caravan<\/strong> You are welcome to drive to the monastery on your own. If you prefer to carpool with friends or travel together in a caravan, meet us at the Park and Ride Southington Location \u2014 I-84 at Route 10 (Exit 28)<\/strong>. Look for the organizer(s) in a silver Honda CR-V displaying bright Tibetan prayer flags.<\/strong> We depart promptly at 8:30 AM<\/strong> \u2014 please arrive a few minutes early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n b. Travel Time<\/strong> Approximately 90 minutes from Hartford\/Middletown<\/strong> to the monastery, just off I-84 in New York. \ud83d\udccd Address: Chuang Yen Monastery, Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n c. Arriving at the Monastery \u2014 Before 9:45 AM<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n d. Guided Tour \u2014 10:00 AM<\/strong> (approx. 1 hour) Meet at the office\/restrooms to the front left of Great Buddha Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n e. Group Sitting Meditation \u2014 approximately 11:30 AM<\/strong> 20 minutes of quiet sitting practice in the Kuan Yin Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n f. Traditional Chinese Vegetarian Lunch \u2014 12:00 Noon<\/strong> Cost: $7 per person, payable at the monastery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n g. Free Afternoon<\/strong> Gift shop, library, lotus pond gazebo, monastery grounds, and optional visit to Carmel hamlet nearby. Return home whenever you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: If you carpool with others, please arrange your return time in advance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcc5 Date:<\/strong> Sunday, August 2, 2026 \ud83c\udf27\ufe0f Rain Date:<\/strong> Sunday, August 16, 2026 \ud83d\udd59 Tour Begins:<\/strong> 10:00 AM \ud83d\udccd Location:<\/strong> Chuang Yen Monastery, Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512 \ud83d\udcb5 Cost:<\/strong> Free (lunch $7 per person, payable at monastery) \ud83d\ude97 Caravan Meetup:<\/strong> Park and Ride, I-84 Exit 28, Southington CT \u2014 depart 8:30 AM sharp \ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udc67 Who Can Attend:<\/strong> Everyone \u2014 Buddhists, non-Buddhists, families, and first-timers all welcome \ud83d\udccb RSVP:<\/strong> Not required \u2014 just show up!<\/p>\n\n\n\nABOUT CHUANG YEN MONASTERY<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Chuang-Yen-Buddha-Hall-Apollo9i.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWHAT TO EXPECT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/pilgrim7i.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWHAT IS A BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
ITINERARY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
PRACTICAL DETAILS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n