Buddhist Temples |
|
The International Temples Project
The International Temples Project is the unfolding of a profound and compassionate vision to build a Kadampa Buddhist Temple in every major city of the world. Inspired by Venerable Geshe Kelsang, this project is an extraordinary contribution to world peace. As of fall, 2006, there are 6 Temples in varying stages of completion:
"We dedicate the creation of these Temples to world peace and to the happiness of all living beings." ~Venerable Geshe Kelsang The International Temples Project is the unfolding of a profound and compassionate vision to build a Kadampa Buddhist Temple in every major city of the world. In April 2005, students gathered from all around Northern America for the first Kadampa Buddhist Festival held at the nearly completed North American Kadampa Buddhist Temple, which will provide a focal point for Buddhist meditators throughout the US and Canada.
"With our pure motivation, our pure relationship, and our shared vision, we will soon see a Temple first in New York, and then in many countries throughout the world" We are greatly influenced by our environment. In the modern world, continually surrounded by stimulation and worry, everyone can benefit from a special, blessed location for quiet, stillness, and inspiration. From this point of view our local meditation Center is indeed very helpful, but it is hoped that the new Temple in upstate New York will fulfill this need on a larger scale and for a very long time. Some Background
Starting in January 1995, the building work was carried out by students at Manjushri Center, the Mother Centre of the Kadampa Tradition in the West (a large rambling priory with 200 residents). The builders worked with great dedication and to a very high standard for over two years, often late into the night and through all weathers. Many people contributed to make this vision a reality. Finally the building, with room for over 2000 people, was completed in time for the marvelous Opening Ceremony on August 2nd, 1997. Introducing the Kadampa Buddhist Temple of North America
This Temple provides a place to meditate on love, compassion, and wisdom. It also provides a three-dimensional refuge, even a place of pilgrimage - somewhere we can go on year-round courses and retreats, whether in groups or individually. The Temple helps establish Buddhism as a valuable and sacred part of our American heritage, and also serves as a spiritual oasis for those of other faiths and traditions. The temple is located in an area of exquisite natural beauty in the tri-state region of New York. Situated near Glen Spey, five miles from Port Jervis, the 80 acres of land includes rolling woodland, rivers, a lake, and several barns. The temple is in a perfect area next to the lake. You can find out more about this temple by clicking here. Our Vision for Temples in Florida The specially designed Kadampa Temple is not regarded as an ordinary building but as a holy object that will be a place of spiritual inspiration and peace for many generations to come. The plan is to build a Kadampa Buddhist Temple, dedicated to world peace, in every major city of the world. In Florida it is our wish to build small temples based on the same model as the one described above in every city, and then a large temple in the middle of Florida to service the whole state, complete with accommodation for visitors, residents and retreatants. We are already in the process of looking for land in some areas, and gradually working our way towards this precious and deeply meaningful lifetime goal. KMC Florida has now begun work on the first Kadampa Buddhist Temple in Florida. If you would like to help in practical or financial ways, please contact your nearest Center. Meantime, your prayers are always appreciated! |
This Temple is both a symbol and a manifestation of our collective ability to bring an immense amount of happiness and inner peace into this vast continent and into this world, both now and in the future. 
In 1994, Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso began to organize the construction of a Kadampa Buddhist Temple at Manjushri Mahayana Buddhist Center in Ulverston, in the Lake District in England. First, there was an obvious need for a permanent venue for the Kadampa Buddhist Spring and Summer Festivals, both of which had begun to attract thousands of Buddhists from around the world. Second, the Temple would provide a haven of peace and tranquility - remaining for a thousand years as a focus of spiritual practice for generations to come. The architect, following Geshe-la's instructions, drew up a design for the Temple based upon the mandala Pure Land of Buddha Heruka (the Tantric Buddha of blissful compassion), square in shape, with four doorways and three tiers. 
The Kadampa Buddhist Temple of North America is a powerful illustration of our courage, determination, and commitment to establish world peace by pacifying the mind through the practice of meditation.