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.
Key Facts
- ›Co-founded in 2019 by Ayyā Somā and Bhante Suddhāso.
- ›Located on a 3-acre property formerly used as a Catholic monastery.
- ›Gender-inclusive, with monastics and lay residents practicing together.
- ›Offers traditional Buddhist teachings free of charge.
- ›Regularly hosts public retreats, residencies, and invites guest monastic teachers.
- ›Daily schedule includes morning puja, silent meditation, work periods, and evening puja.
Gender-Inclusive Community, Non-Sectarian Approach, Free Access To Teachings, Former Catholic Monastery Property
Ayyā Somā, Bhante SuddhāSo, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Khenmo Drolma, Ajahn Brahm
About Empty Cloud Monastery
Overview
Empty Cloud Monastery, established in West Orange, New Jersey, in 2019, is a notable contemporary Buddhist institution characterized by its gender-inclusive and non-sectarian approach. Co-founded by Buddhist monks Ayyā Somā and Bhante Suddhāso, the monastery operates under the umbrella of the non-profit organization Buddhist Insights. Its mission centers on making traditional Buddhist teachings accessible to everyone, free of charge.
Origins and Location
The monastery's establishment followed a period where the co-founders were initially based out of a meditation center in Rockaway, Queens, New York City. Through a series of donations, the organization was able to acquire a 3-acre property. This site, which features a century-old building, was formerly utilized as a Catholic monastery before its acquisition by Buddhist Insights.
Lifestyle and Practice
Empty Cloud Monastery fosters a unique community environment where monastics and lay residents practice alongside each other. While they share communal practice spaces, separate living quarters are maintained. The daily schedule is structured to support dedicated practice, commencing early with morning puja and chanting, followed by extensive periods of silent meditation. A significant portion of the day is also dedicated to work periods, encompassing both grounds maintenance and interior upkeep. The monastery observes a single meal per day, typically taken after the morning meditation and work periods. Lay residents adhere to the Eight Precepts during their stay. The afternoons are reserved for personal practice, culminating in an evening session that includes tea, a Dhamma talk, and evening puja.
Community and Outreach
In line with its non-sectarian ethos, Empty Cloud Monastery regularly invites guest monastic teachers from diverse traditions and lineages. Notable figures such as Bhikkhu Bodhi, Khenmo Drolma, and Ajahn Brahm have previously taught at the monastery, enriching the learning experience for residents and visitors alike. The monastery also actively hosts retreats and residencies, making its contemplative environment and teachings accessible to the wider public.
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. The organization was able to secure its current property following donations.
Where is Empty Cloud Monastery located?
Empty Cloud Monastery is located in West Orange, New Jersey, United States. It is situated on a 3-acre property that was formerly a Catholic monastery.
What is the religious tradition of Empty Cloud Monastery?
Empty Cloud Monastery is a non-sectarian Buddhist monastery. It focuses on practicing traditional Buddhist teachings and welcomes teachers from various traditions and lineages.
Is Empty Cloud Monastery open to the public?
Yes, Empty Cloud Monastery regularly hosts retreats and residencies that are open to the public. They aim to make traditional Buddhist teachings available free of charge to all interested individuals.
What is the daily schedule like at Empty Cloud Monastery?
The daily schedule includes a 5:00 am morning puja with chanting, followed by 90 minutes of silent meditation. A two-hour work period is scheduled next, followed by a single meal at 9:00 am. The afternoon is for personal practice, with tea served at 5:00 pm, followed by a Dhamma talk and evening puja at 6:30 pm.
What does 'gender-inclusive' mean for Empty Cloud Monastery?
As a gender-inclusive monastery, all residents, both monastic and lay, practice together in a community setting. However, they reside in separate living quarters. This inclusivity extends to inviting guest monastic teachers of all genders from various traditions.
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