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.
Key Facts
- ›Co-founded in 2019 by Buddhist monks Ayyā Somā and Bhante Suddhāso.
- ›Located on a 3-acre property in West Orange, New Jersey, formerly a Catholic monastery.
- ›Operates as a gender-inclusive and non-sectarian Buddhist institution.
- ›Offers traditional Buddhist teachings and practices free of charge.
- ›Regularly hosts retreats and residencies open to the public.
- ›Features a daily schedule including morning puja, silent meditation, work periods, and evening puja.
Important Relationships
- Buddhist Insights (non-profit organization)
Gender-Inclusive Community, Non-Sectarian Approach, Free Access To Teachings and Practices
About Empty Cloud Monastery
Empty Cloud Monastery is a distinctive Buddhist institution located in West Orange, New Jersey, United States. Established in 2019, it distinguishes itself as a gender-inclusive and non-sectarian center dedicated to offering traditional Buddhist teachings and practices freely to all interested individuals. The monastery was co-founded by Buddhist monks Ayyā Somā and Bhante Suddhāso, with support from their non-profit organization, Buddhist Insights.
Origins and Property
The monastery's origins trace back to a meditation center in Rockaway, Queens, New York City. Through donations, the organization was able to acquire a 3-acre property in West Orange. This site, which is over a century old, was formerly a Catholic monastery, providing a ready-made structure for its new purpose.
Community and Practice
Empty Cloud Monastery fosters a community setting where monastic and lay residents practice alongside each other. While living quarters are separate, the shared practice space emphasizes inclusivity. The core mission is to make Buddhist teachings accessible without charge. The monastery actively engages the public by regularly hosting retreats and residencies. It also invites esteemed guest monastic teachers from various traditions and lineages, including figures like Bhikkhu Bodhi, Khenmo Drolma, and Ajahn Brahm, to share their wisdom.
Daily Life and Schedule
The daily rhythm at Empty Cloud Monastery is structured to support contemplative practice and community engagement. The day begins early with a 5:00 am morning puja featuring chanting in both Pali and English, followed by a substantial 90-minute period of silent meditation. A two-hour work period ensues, which can involve grounds maintenance or interior cleaning. The single meal of the day is served at 9:00 am, after which lay residents observe the Eight Precepts. The afternoon is dedicated to personal practice, with tea served at 5:00 pm, preceding a Dhamma talk and the evening puja at 6:30 pm.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Empty Cloud Monastery founded?
Empty Cloud Monastery was co-founded in 2019 by Buddhist monks Ayyā Somā and Bhante Suddhāso.
Where is Empty Cloud Monastery located?
The monastery is situated in West Orange, New Jersey, on a 3-acre property that was formerly a Catholic monastery.
What is the lifestyle like at Empty Cloud Monastery?
It is a gender-inclusive monastery where monastic and lay residents practice together in a community setting, though they reside in separate quarters. The focus is on traditional Buddhist teachings made accessible to all.
What kind of activities does Empty Cloud Monastery offer?
The monastery regularly hosts retreats and residencies open to the public. They also invite guest monastic teachers from various traditions to share their teachings.
What is the daily schedule at Empty Cloud Monastery?
The daily schedule includes a 5:00 am morning puja with chanting, followed by 90 minutes of silent meditation. There is also a work period, a single meal at 9:00 am, personal practice time in the afternoon, and an evening puja at 6:30 pm.
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