Great place to relax and take the kids for a adventure up state. Wish they had more activities. read more

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A little peace and quiet secluded place. Beautiful and serene. A must to everyone who needs a couple of hrs of calmness. They are not open during winter so take advantage of this place now read more

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I've visited this spot a few times and have yet to revisit soon!! Super peaceful and Tranquil walk. I love hiking there as well. I highly recommend it. read more

My first visit to this temple was 2 years ago. My dog was diagnosed with kidney cancer and VCA clinic was only 20 min away. While I waited for her tests to be done, I found the temple via yelp. In moment of stress and fear, I found peace when step into the main hall that holds giant Buddha statue. Some ppl treat the place just as a local attraction with little or no respect to the property. Just would like to remind ppl, this is a religious ground, pls kindly be mindful and respectful. read more

Heard this was a phenomenal place. Spending a weekend once they open back up, they close for a few months. Will Yelp my experience then. read more

I enjoyed this Zen experience. It healed my soul spiritually and I am looking forward to going back. This is a public place and everyone was quiet and respectful. Nameste. read more

Went today for the second time in a couple of years. Beautiful buildings and statues, a wonderful lake full of carp, and of course the huge Buddha (largest indoor one in thus hemisphere I believe). So peaceful, and a great place to take pictures and get in a good walk. read more

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Awesome place! So peaceful and beautiful. You can even eat lunch here and donation is recommended.

This monastery offers the general public a beautiful insight into a Buddhist temple, and an opportunity to see a small slice of a different culture. The self-proclaimed Catholic who wrote on 04/11/2011 , a number of comments that were critical and also wrote condescendingly of the monastery as being "drab" should have stayed home or had the simple courtesy and decency to allow his Taiwanese companions to enjoy the peace and beauty of the monastery and appreciate time together to reflect on their lives, the peace of the monastery. He chose instead to subject them to the general stupidity and ignorance of their American "friend" who advocates bringing fire extinguishers to the extinguish a tradition that has existed for thousands of years before Christ was born. Does this same person also fear the Catholic predilection for lighting candles everywhere? Does this person carry fire extinguishers to protect himself from the conflagrations in Catholic ceremonies? The Taiwansese "friends" were probably disappointed and embarrassed by this very crass person, shaking their heads in dismay and disappointment that he couldn't appreciate an element of their culture they wanted to share with him. To the person who wrote on 1/12/2012 should find a dictionary and learn the meaning of "eschew". It means "to shun, avoid, or disavow". I doubt that the Buddhists have a table of free literature encouraging people ( even ignorant Americans) to avoid Buddhism. We could learn a lot from Buddhism - if we could learn. There IS a Chinese dialect known by Europeans as "Taiwanese", but the pamphlets and books are in CHINESE, and some are even in English. None are in "Taiwanese". Accept this monastery for what it is. Do not criticize it for not being a diner in Queens. It is a place of great beauty, serenity, solemnity, and acceptance of all things.....even ignorant people who find fault with it because they can't understand any of it. read more

Although I saw strong positive reviews for the Chuang Yen Monastery and feel that it is a beautiful environment (especially with the autumn foliage), I unfortunately had a very negative experience when I visited. Our inconsiderate and unprofessional tour guide colored my group's experience here and I am sorry that we did not put forth a formal complaint regarding her behavior. I came with a group of 17 visitors-- 10 students from a weekend Chinese school (ages from 5 to 13), plus 6 parents/chaperons and myself (their Chinese teacher). We were late for our appointment with the tour guide and to her credit, she kindly awaited our arrival. As we approached the building and surrounding area, the children were increasingly excited and already had many questions about the statutes standing along the road, the coins on top of the Asian garden, the big drums outside of the temple, etc. They were very extremely curious about the place and eager to get their questions answered. HOWEVER, after meeting our tour guide, she asked us to sit down and instead of giving us a brief introduction to the monastery, she started to share her personal experience about Anger Management through Buddhism. We patiently sat there for more than 10 minutes, allowing her to go on with her lecture nonstop. After nearly 15 minutes of her continuing to pontificate about her own experiences (which my students were very kindly listening to, but clearly bored of), I raised my hand and politely asked if she could take our questions about this place. "Can you tell us about the Buddha and the statues in the garden?" I asked She became VERY angry and made very rude, terse replies to any and all of our questions and refused to look in my direction for the rest of the session. When one of my students unintentionally repeated a question to her, she lashed out and yelled: "DIDN'T YOU HEAR WHAT I JUST SAID?!?!" The "tour" ended in 25 minutes, in the exact same spot where we began, without the tour guide taking us one step unto the actual area. Furthermore, she then decided to yell at me in front of my students and the parents (and not to mention, in front of the big Buddha) and pointed her finger at me, saying "YOU SHOULDN'T INTERRUPT ME. I AM THE GUIDE. YOU SHOULD RESPECT MY AUTHORITY HERE! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO LISTEN, YOU SHOULDN'T ASK FOR A GUIDE!!!" Embarrassed about being scolded in front of my students, I apologized to her in front of the beautiful Buddha hall-- but I cannot forget this experience. To have a guide who was so obsessed in sharing her experience in anger management, but clearly had no control over her own anger issues was truly bizarre. And more importantly, she did not do her job as a tour guide, as there was no actual tour of the place. We felt no peace here on a Saturday and did not encounter any loving kindness from the practicing Buddhists. Of course, we opted to rescind our generous donation check after not being provided an actual tour and then being yelled at for 5 minutes. It was quite the unique experience, visiting a gorgeous Buddhist temple and meeting someone who lectured about anger management (a topic on which she clearly needs to do more study). Although I appreciate the intention of sharing such a lovely environment and practice to the public, our experience with the staff was anything but peaceful and positive. read more

I went to this monastery several years ago to attend a Tibetan Buddhist teaching. The grounds are beautiful and worthy of even a "curiosity-based visit". However, a monastery like this is for "serious people" - for those people who recognize that there are consequences for what we think, say and do, as well as for what truth we fail to respond to. Whatever your motivation for going there, if it includes a contemplative component, you will very likely bring something very positive away from your visit. read more

This is a definite "must" place to visit. The thing that struck me the most during my first visit, was the largeness of the place. I had heard that the monastery had the largest Buddha in the United States. Nonetheless, I was still awestruck by the size of the many buddha statues along the walkway to the temple. Even more impressive was the size of the temple sheltering a HUGE buddha inside. I just did not expect there to be such a large Buddha so near to where I live. There were many visitors, both Asian and non-Asians, walking around. Everyone was cheerful and respectfully friendly. I spent a few hours and towards the day's end, about 4:15 pm, I saw a number of Buddhist monks and nuns walking around the place. They actually waved back to me when I waved at them! (I thought they might pretend I wasn't there...lol). It is a hidden gemstone in Putnam county and a delight! read more

the story i was told is that the temple got burned down by accident at around 2003? and now the reconstruction is almost complete. obvious tidbit- they built the 37 feet tall buddha statue inside first and then the structure around it. also to prevent fires again, the big incense pot is placed outdoors. the $6 vegetarian lunch was nothing special (5 if you bring your own container) but i am truly impressed by the structure and atmosphere here sitting at a mere 90 min drive from manhattan. i was so happy this weekend to finally get out of the concrete jungle. too bad they don't provide transportation from the city, bc you can only get here by car. i've been to a gazillion temples in asia, so many that once i'd dreamed of "temple-hopping" (yes, like super mario in a temple-themed stage), so this place felt incredibly modern to me. the zen like wooded style reminded me of youth church camp (in fact many aspects of the monastery reminded me of church camp). the main unit where the buddha is located looked more like museum than a temple, not a surprise however since everything is newly built. read from another review about chinese relatives burning offerings to their deceased loved ones at the cemetery- i didn't notice there was one although while i was there i thought i wouldn't mind being buried here. pretty nice spot for friends and family to visit, ya know. also with the burning, it's silly to think it's crazy because this is just common practice. true, they should bring their own tin cans and really clean up after themselves. my family always cleans up- we are responsible burners. on our way departing the area we passed by the "seven jewels lake" (guan yin?) pond overcrowded with starving coi fish. they are fighting for bagels from little blonde girls thrusting pieces of them into the mossy waters. it was funny when one girl chucked the entire loop of bagel into the water and the poor fish kept fighting for it to no avail. in the background is a playback of Bocelli's Con te Partiro. i love how weird this place is!! one minute i feel like i am in china and then you know you're not because the green is too green! i would be convinced that i was really in china if they played kenny G by the pond. you peeps who travel to china a lot will hopefully catch my joke! read more

I was going through a tough time when I visited the monastery and its' grounds, it was just what I needed. Really calm and beautiful. Will definitely come back for meditation and dharma talk. read more

The Buddha statue is surrounded by murals which my six year old daughter really loved, and the grounds are peaceful and beautiful.

Just an amazing place. It's so calming and peaceful here. I went here during the summer time actually when trees leaves were all green. I spent a while walking around, looking at nature and just enjoying the serene calmness. After that I went to their cafeteria and got the $6 lunch. That accommodated my taste as I prefer not to eat meat. It was a lovely, outdoors lunch. After lunch I went to the Woo Ju library and spent a couple of hours again just relaxing and reading books. I actually ended up purchasing a book! It was just an overall pleasant experience and would most definitely visit again! read more

Great place to visit to escape NYC for peace and tranquility. Make a few prayers with burned incense sticks and donate some money in the collection boxes. Also, enjoy their vegetarian lunch for $6 and feel free to go back for seconds if you want more. Overall, a nice place to visit!!! read more

Visiting late family members memorial is never easy but this is a truly peaceful experience. The grounds are beautiful and it is very well maintained. read more

Come here every Mother's Day - a lovely place with clean temples. Always gives me a feeling of wanting to learn and know more about the Buddhist religion and history. Great place to visit with families (elderly + children) read more

I like how the architectures there are built in ancient China's Tang Dynasty style. In eastern culture, Buddhism is more like a philosophy instead of a religion, providing us a way to look at the universe and life. I'm very glad I can find a peaceful and calm place like this in the United States. read more

So peaceful and welcoming. You can sit and meditate for hours without interruption. There is plenty of free books you can pick up, and plenty of space for you to place flowers or offerings. I will be back often! read more

My husband has taken me here a few times and I just love it. The first time I was honored to have a nun guide us, we learned a lot that day. The temple around Budda was not started at that time. I wish I lived closer, everytime we go up something new is added. If I remember this started in Stony Brook U on Long Island. I would just like to thank the nuns and monks for letting us visit, it is so peaceful read more

I loved attending this unknown monastery that I had not heard of until just 15hours prior to my visit from a client of mine who knew I was searching for a place to visit to recharge my soul batteries. I want to just say that, if you like it to be silent, go in the mornings. Over the weekend it does get a bit rushed and loud by noon. What makes this place special IS the large Buddha. What makes it magical is the nature that has taken over this place. If you love bird watching, you can get that here too. read more

I have been going to this monastery for years, watching the progress of their buildings and monuments. When I first started going it was just a dirt driveway and no parking lot, you just drove right up and parked in the grass near the big buddha hall, it was amazing the first time I came around the bend to see the huge building and imagine my shock and surprise to see that it was not filled with rooms but rather one HUGE buddha surrounded by 10,000 small buddhas, it was a surreal moment. I had discovered the existence of this place by reading the local phone book when I first moved to the area. I've been up there for the brunch a couple times; the food is simple and cheap and good. Once I walked in to see a table on one side filled with buddhist nuns and monks, another table with a group of catholic nuns in full habit, and a third table with a rasta man and wife. read more

my first buddhist temple visit in the united states. by the way, i am catholic so i have very limited knowledge about Buddhism aside from the typical knowledge most Asians have on it... located in a very dense forest area in upstate New York, Chuang Yen Monastery boasts the largest buddha in the northeast. I came here to pay respects to someone's grandmother as they have a shrine/shelf for the dead complete with mini headstones. i wanted to be impressed, i wanted to be awed. i have been to many many temples in China and Taiwan which blew me away. CYM did not. Humble and a bit in need of repair as well as a good landscaper, CYM was virtually empty, my whole two hours there i managed to catch of glimpse of only two monks. As for the statue of Buddha, you are required to take off your shoes before entering into the bland, greyish and freezing cold building which houses the enormous statue along with other smaller statues of the Gods. It was big with grey carpeting but nothing like i'd seen in Asia. The 10000 mini buddhas were somewhat impressive though. there was a tiny table with a massive array of pamphlets and aside from the drab and depressing feel of it all, i was disappointed to see there were no monks or employees/volunteers there to offer information or guidance. Progressing to the mini headstones, we saw groups of Chinese people squabbling loudly about something or other while hefting HUGE trashbags up the hill. When we found the grandmother's headstone, the family paid their respects and afterwards, we all wandered around looking at the names and dates. Some people had scotch-taped pictures of the dead onto the headstones and through weather or time the tape was coming apart. as for the Chinese people with the gigantic trash bags? Turns out they were there to burn offerings to the dead. The family i was with told me that previously, there had been big urns placed on the ground for people to burn paper money, etc to the dead however Chinese people burned so much it became a hazard so they removed it. Intrigued, i wondered how they would burn all the money and other paper offerings they hefted up. the all squatted down in a circle and proceeded to start a mini-bonfire right there on the cement. Shocked and fearful a forest fire may ensue, i looked around for monks or workers to stop them but to no avail. The taiwanese family i was with clucked disapprovingly and we moved away from the bonfire. They have a cafeteria which offers a vegetarian lunch. I was told it used to be donation based however too many people took advantage of it thus the monastery charges 6$. The food wasn't bad, light and healthy. They were playing loud music as if it were a cafeteria and no buddhist chants or songs of devotion, i heard the music box version of "First Love" along with some jazzy bits. Confused i turned to the family, they told me the monastery did not used to play music in the cafeteria, but Chinese people talk so loud it was in effort to control the noise. It is winter still so the trees were bare, the leaves were still crunchy on the ground, nothing surreal or otherworldy really...i appreciate so much more the beauty and detail to temples/monasteries in Asia. note to future visitors: bring a fire extinguisher and if you insist on burning 5 garbage bags full of paper at least have the decency to bring something safe to burn it all in rather than make a huge pile of ashes on the cement in front of other people's graves. read more

Just came back from visiting the monestary. Do not plan you day on the visit have a back up plan. There is a sharp turn off the taconic so be careful on the exit SLOW DOWN. They do not offer much as far as being tourist friendly, but it is easy to walk around. Worth the trip but can be done is little time. read more

i was really looking forward to having lunch here for the vegitarian experience and ever since the food poisoning story in the newspaper i dont think i will ever go it really deters me sorry to say. but it is a great monatery very beautiful place. read more