Laotian temple in the middle of no where but its pretty big. If you're not familiar with the…read morereligion best find a friend because many of the temple goers are Lao.

You are home here. Meditate, center, enjoy the beauty of the monastery and the grounds.read more

Very beautiful and serene palace perfect for quiet walk. Even for a non Buddhist like myself one…read morecan find something to appreciate in this place. We came on a rainy overcast day & not even that can take the beauty from this place. There are religious sculpture lining the entrance, a big buddha on the main hall, free books on buddhism, & vegetarian lunch on the weekends you can have for a minimal price. Love, love this place. Will come back on the fall to bring the rest of my family.

The monastery was founded by Venerable Lama Norhla under the direction of Kalu Rinpoche and the…read moreKarmapa. I was one of his first students and an early trustee, when the building you see now was just a two space garage waiting to be developed. The buildings were developed mostly by Lama Norhla, his students and practitioners. This monastery was the first in the US, back in 1980 or so, to carry through the authentic three year retreat of Tibetan Buddhism by which a person can become a Lama. A number of Lamas now well known went through the first three year retreat here. You will find the authentic holders of Tibetan Buddhism here. You can not find a more complete monastery, anywhere. This is well worth all efforts to visit and to do a retreat. You will discover the roots of what is now called mindfulness, began here in this tradition. And there is as well so much more...... Mindfulness and Compassion.

Welcoming, Peaceful, a respite from the clanging of the world... love the little shrine room down…read moreby the river especially...

The Hai An Pagoda is my favorite place to be! The meditation hall is spacious and beautiful,…read moredecorated with Oriental carpets, paper lanterns, beautiful statues, and flowers. More importantly, the people are wonderful! A service is held in English every Thursday evening, from 6:30-8:30, and I never miss it! They host an evening of chanting, sitting meditation, walking meditation, a tea ceremony, and a dharma discussion. The Buddhist precepts are reviewed on a monthly basis, and the sangha meets for dinner at the temple before services, on that evening. In addition to the Thursday evening English services, the Hai An Pagoda also holds Sunday services in Vietnamese at 10:30 am. While this is a Vietnamese Zen/Pure Land temple, I would encourage anyone with an interest in any school of Buddhism, and/or in meditation to check it out. It's a wonderful place to practice, and you will be in very good company! :)

Great place to meditate and meet others who are interested in a contemplative lifestyle. Beautiful…read morespace right near Haymarket and across from Thorne's

This center has been around the Northampton/Amherst area since about 1977, I hear. If I had known…read morehow much they offer, I'd have explored it much earlierthan I did. Although I've just been exploring for a short time now, this is my take: Warm, empowering, and deeply penetrating approach to meditation, and its affect on society, one's individual life, and the arts. Free (!?!) meditation instruction is available, both beginning and ongoing, if requested. I attended an open house, which seems to be a monthly thing. I meet with a meditation instructor that I clicked with, about once a month, to talk about my practice experience. Their web site shows the diversity and accessibility of their program offerings. Well worth the effort to check it out.

Classes, discussions, and retreats on Buddhism and meditation as a path of mindfulness and…read moreenlightenment. Website has upcoming events and schedules.

Ample parking, well-kept and well-marked trails with lovely views. The walking trails are open to…read morethe public, although some are restricted to residents only.

This is such a beautiful tranquil place to be. I had a wonderful experience at the four days…read moreretreat led by my teacher Andrew Tanner. I met all the ministers and ppl who devoted their lives there as to serve others, learn and study Korean Taoism and WON Buddhism. I love everyone I have encountered and not to mentioned their yummy nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). I love the mindful eating virtue every morning. It was silent breakfast. We greeted each other with a nod, a bow and a smile. The minsters and staffs are welcoming and friendly! Everything is mindfulness practice. From closing the door gently to peeling the egg. I observed and I learned from them. I have always loved the Korean or Asian culture and foods! After the retreat l, I got inspired to recreate the vegetarian dishes at home. I kept reminding myself to get in touch with nature more and the simplicity of life. I would love to study more of the Buddhism, meditation and more with the ministers and my teacher! Definitely it's a see you later, until next retreat! An nyeonghi gyseyo!!! Daehanhee gamsahamnida! (Thank you very much) peace peace peace

This Buddhist center is a wonderful place of learning, meditation and community. Unlike stated in…read morean earlier review it is not Zen. The center is Tendai, a Japanese Buddhist school that Zen developed from. Everybody is made welcome at the center. The sangha (community) has been a source of comfort and support to me in times of loss.​​

This is a really beautiful Zen center, with a very lovely evening meditation service (usually…read moreWednesday evenings) followed by a potluck dinner. They have special events, too. It is very low-key and welcoming, and the meditations are held in a beautiful converted old barn. Very nice atmosphere and beautiful Japanese-style ritual.

Very beautiful and serene temple. The property is large and peaceful. It is free to come here and…read moreyou're welcome to walk around the entire territory. Would highly recommend making a stop here if you're in the neighborhood.

Such a gem off the beaten path! I am appreciative they allow visitors to peruse the grounds and…read moretheir beautiful buildings. Very pretty landscape, so quiet and peaceful. I visited here after visiting the FDR home and library in Hyde Park. This little piece of paradise is free to enter. Each temple is unique and full of beautiful Buddhist figures. Please wear socks and be prepared to remove shoes upon entering each individual building. I enjoyed the restful escape offered by this literal Buddhist retreat. It has inspired me to learn more about their practices. And the drive along the backroads of the Catskills during the fall was one of the prettiest I've ever taken!