Blue Cliff Monastery
Monastery·United States·21st century·Thiền (Plum Village Tradition)
Blue Cliff Monastery is an 80-acre Thiền Buddhist monastery situated in Pine Bush, New York, established in May 2007 by practitioners of the Plum Village Tradition. It operates under the direction of Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing, mirroring the practices of its root monastery, Plum Village, and sister monasteries.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in May 2007 by monastic and lay practitioners.
- ›Located in Pine Bush, New York, on an 80-acre property.
- ›Part of Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing in the Thiền tradition.
- ›Follows practices and schedules of Plum Village Tradition monasteries.
- ›Established by monastics relocating from Maple Forest Monastery and Green Mountain Dharma Center.
- ›Welcomes visitors to practice mindfulness, with Days of Mindfulness held regularly.
Important Relationships
- Plum Village Tradition
- Thích Nhất Hạnh
- Order of Interbeing
- Deer Park Monastery
- Magnolia Grove Monastery
- Maple Forest Monastery
- Green Mountain Dharma Center
Two Ponds, A Creek, 65 Acres of Forest
About Blue Cliff Monastery
Blue Cliff Monastery is a Thiền Buddhist monastery located in Pine Bush, New York. Spanning 80 acres, with 65 acres dedicated to forest, it also features two ponds and a creek. The monastery was founded in May 2007 by monastic and lay practitioners associated with the Plum Village Tradition.
Historical Context and Establishment
The establishment of Blue Cliff Monastery marked a significant relocation for monastics from Maple Forest Monastery and the Green Mountain Dharma Center. Maple Forest Monastery, founded in Woodstock, Vermont, in 1997, served as the monks' residence, while the Green Mountain Dharma Center, established in Hartland, Vermont, in 1998, housed the nuns. In May 2007, both of these Vermont-based centers moved to the newly established Blue Cliff Monastery in New York.
Affiliation and Practices
Blue Cliff Monastery operates under the guidance of Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing, within the Thiền Buddhist tradition. Its daily practices and schedules closely align with those of its root monastery, Plum Village, and its sister monasteries, Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, California, and Magnolia Grove Monastery in Batesville, Mississippi.
Visitor Engagement
The monastery welcomes visitors to engage in the practice of mindfulness alongside its community of monks, nuns, and laypeople. "Days of Mindfulness" are typically organized twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, and the monastery frequently hosts retreats throughout the year, offering opportunities for deeper spiritual practice and community connection.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Blue Cliff Monastery founded?
Blue Cliff Monastery was founded in May 2007. It was established by monastic and lay practitioners from the Plum Village Tradition.
Where is Blue Cliff Monastery located?
The monastery is located in Pine Bush, New York, within the Hudson Valley. It is situated about one hour and 30 minutes from New York City.
What tradition does Blue Cliff Monastery belong to?
Blue Cliff Monastery belongs to the Thiền Buddhist tradition and is under the direction of Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing. It follows the practices of the Plum Village Tradition.
Can visitors practice mindfulness at Blue Cliff Monastery?
Yes, visitors are welcome to practice mindfulness at Blue Cliff Monastery. Days of Mindfulness are typically held twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, and retreats are frequently offered throughout the year.
What was the origin of Blue Cliff Monastery?
Blue Cliff Monastery was created when monastics moved from Maple Forest Monastery and the Green Mountain Dharma Center, which were previously located in Vermont. These two centers were founded in 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Related Buddhist Temples
Deer Park Monastery
Deer Park Monastery is a significant Buddhist center located in Escondido, California, established in July 2000 by Thích Nhất Hạnh and followers of the Plum Village Tradition. It serves as an active monastic community and a public hub for mindfulness practice, offering retreats and days of mindfulness open to everyone.
Empty Cloud Monastery
Empty Cloud Monastery is a gender-inclusive, non-sectarian Buddhist monastery located in West Orange, New Jersey. Founded in 2019, it offers traditional Buddhist teachings and practices free of charge to the public, hosting retreats and residencies.
American Bodhi Center
The American Bodhi Center, part of the Texas Buddhist Association (TBA), is a vast 515-acre Buddhist facility located in Waller County, Texas. Established to serve as a long-term center integrated with the local community, it provides a space for religious ceremonies, educational programs, and meditation. The center is notable for its size, environmentally conscious design, and housing of rare original relics of Shakyamuni Buddha.