Our Dhamma school is moving online. See our news page for up to date details on the Vihara and the Community.
The Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara is a community temple and Sunday school with services for all Buddhists and non-Buddhists who live in Orange, Dutchess, Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester Counties as well as adjoining areas.
The purpose of the Vihara is to create a network of individuals within Hudson Valley to foster and promote Buddhism-centered education and cultural growth. It is also a place for the community to participate in meditation to improve their wellness and state of mind.
We welcome your continued support and contributions toward the development of the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara and its mission to serve the community at large.
From The Most Venerable, Dr., Rajakeeya Pandita, Kurunegoda Sri Piyatissa Maha Nayaka Thero
"Caratha bhikkhave carikam bahujana hitaya bahujana sukhaya lokanukampaya atthaya hitaya sukhaya devamanussanam. Desetha bhikkhave dhamman adikalyanam majjhekalyanam pariyosanakalyana sattham sabyanjanam kevelapparipunnam parisuddham brahmacariyam pakasetha"
O monks! Go on for the good of the people, for happiness of the many, out of compassion to the world, for the good and well-being and happiness gods and human. O monks! Preach the Dhamma good at the beginning, good at the middle, good at the end. Proclaim the pure noble life with meaningful completely.
It is a quotation uttered by the Buddha when there were 60 enlightened ones in the world before 2600 years ago in India. Today, here in the U.S.A. and all over the world the same words should be uttered and put into practice.
My whole life has being dedicated for the Dhamma. I see more and more people seeking the Dhamma unlike before. Out of compassion for the world we should establish and maintain more and more Viharas, Meditation Centers and Monasteries. For that purpose we, both the Maha Sangha as well as laymen should work hard and dedicate our time and energy towards this goal.
My sincere blessings for those who offer services at the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. May you be able to plant the seeds of Dhamma, love and friendliness in the hearts of the children, so that there would be a peaceful world in the future than before.
May all living beings be well and happy!
Kurunegoda Dhammaloka Thero, Chief Advisory Council Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara
"Sabba danam dhamma danam jinati" The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts
Today, due to the modern development of science and technology there is almost nothing that the human race cannot achieve materially, especially in this part of the world in the USA. Regardless of that knowledge and development, humankind has not reduced negative emotions. We can see the incidents of misusing this material development for hurting and harming others as well as one's self, both physically and emotionally. The reason behind that entire human made problem is nothing but a lack of spiritual development to the highest point of attaining enlightnment. Therefore the most important gift we can share with others, regardless of any social level or difference is the sublime Dhamma. It is equally useful for humanity today in the USA, just as it has been in Asia since 2600 years ago.
The Dhamma does not recognize anyone by their race, color, gender, age or any other human made identification. Whosoever practices and protects the Dhamma, would be realized and protected by the Dhamma. At the same time, the practitioner also realizes the Dhamma. That would be the ultimate knowledge and realization one can achieve as a human being. That is why the Buddha said "The gift of the Dhamma excels all other gifts".
The aim of the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center is to share this message of peace for the benefit of the whole of society. Everyone is welcome to come and see the Dhamma and realize and see for one's self through the Dhamma.
May the Blessings of the Buddha be with you all!