Blue Cliff Monastery
Thiền Buddhism·United States·active·21st century
Blue Cliff Monastery is an 80-acre Thiền Buddhist monastery located in Pine Bush, New York, founded in May 2007 by practitioners from the Plum Village Tradition. It operates under Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing and follows the practices of its sister monasteries. The monastery is situated in the Hudson Valley and welcomes visitors to practice mindfulness.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in May 2007 by practitioners from the Plum Village Tradition.
- ›Located in Pine Bush, New York, on 80 acres of land.
- ›Part of Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing in the Thiền tradition.
- ›Follows practices and schedules similar to Plum Village, Deer Park, and Magnolia Grove Monasteries.
- ›The property includes two ponds, a creek, and 65 acres of forest.
- ›Visitors are welcome to practice mindfulness, with Days of Mindfulness held twice weekly.
Two Ponds, A Creek, 65 Acres of Forest
ThíCh NhấT HạNh
- Move of Monastics From Maple Forest Monastery and Green Mountain Dharma Center In May 2007.
About Blue Cliff Monastery
Blue Cliff Monastery is a Thiền Buddhist monastery situated on an 80-acre property in Pine Bush, New York. Founded in May 2007, it was established by monastic and lay practitioners associated with the Plum Village Tradition. The monastery operates under the guidance of Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing and adheres to the spiritual practices and daily routines observed at its root monastery, Plum Village, as well as its sister institutions, Deer Park Monastery in California and Magnolia Grove Monastery in Mississippi.
Establishment and Relocation
The establishment of Blue Cliff Monastery marked a relocation for monastics previously residing at Maple Forest Monastery and the Green Mountain Dharma Center. Maple Forest Monastery, founded in 1997 in Woodstock, Vermont, served as the monks' residence, while Green Mountain Dharma Center, established a year later in Hartland, Vermont, was the nuns' residence. In May 2007, both of these Vermont-based centers consolidated their operations at the newly established Blue Cliff Monastery in New York.
Location and Visitor Engagement
Nestled within the verdant Hudson Valley, Blue Cliff Monastery is approximately an hour and a half's drive from New York City. The monastery's grounds encompass natural features such as two ponds and a creek, with 65 of its 80 acres dedicated to forestland. Blue Cliff Monastery actively welcomes visitors to participate in mindfulness practices alongside its multifold community of monks, nuns, and laypeople. To facilitate this, Days of Mindfulness are regularly scheduled, typically held on Thursdays and Sundays, and various retreats are offered throughout the year.
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 who moved from Maple Forest Monastery and the Green Mountain Dharma Center.
Where is Blue Cliff Monastery located?
Blue Cliff Monastery is situated in Pine Bush, New York, within the Hudson Valley. It is located about one hour and 30 minutes away from New York City.
What religious tradition does Blue Cliff Monastery belong to?
Blue Cliff Monastery is a Thiền Buddhist monastery. It is under the direction of Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing in the Thiền tradition.
Can visitors practice mindfulness at Blue Cliff Monastery?
Yes, visitors are welcome to practice mindfulness with the community of monks, nuns, and laypeople. Days of Mindfulness are typically held twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays.
What are the grounds of Blue Cliff Monastery like?
The monastery spans 80 acres and is characterized by its lush, green setting. The property features two ponds and a creek, with 65 of the 80 acres being forest.
Related Monasteries
Deer Park Monastery
Deer Park Monastery is a 400-acre Buddhist monastery located in Escondido, California, founded in July 2000 by Thích Nhất Hạnh. It adheres to the Vietnamese Thiền tradition within the Plum Village Tradition and serves as a vibrant center for monastic practice and public mindfulness events. The monastery is organized into two hamlets, Solidity Hamlet for monks and laymen, and Clarity Hamlet for nuns and laywomen, fostering a growing community of ordained and lay practitioners.
Empty Cloud Monastery
Empty Cloud Monastery, established in 2019 in West Orange, New Jersey, is a gender-inclusive, non-sectarian Buddhist monastery. Co-founded by Ayyā Somā and Bhante Suddhāso, it operates under the non-profit Buddhist Insights, offering traditional Buddhist teachings free of charge. The monastery is situated on a 3-acre property that was formerly a Catholic monastery.
Magnolia Grove Monastery
Magnolia Grove Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Batesville, Mississippi, established in the Plum Village Tradition under the spiritual guidance of Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. It serves as a residential monastery and a Mindfulness Practice Meditation Center, offering public Days of Mindfulness, retreats, and special events. As one of three such monasteries in the United States under Thích Nhất Hạnh's guidance, it maintains close ties with Plum Village Monastery for resources and support.