📜 Buddhist monastery housing the largest Buddha statue in the Western Hemisphere on a remote hillside of Putnam County, New York. 🔍 Sanctuary of peace and meditation across 125 acres, designed in traditional Chinese Tang Dynasty style. # Why Go 🧘‍♀️ Peaceful sanctuary for meditation 🌸 Beautiful gardens and traditional Tang Dynasty architecture 🗿 See the 37-foot Buddha Vairocana statue and 10,000 smaller Buddhas 🌳 Explore beautiful gardens and temple buildings 🚗 Easy drive from New York City # Why Avoid 🚫 Restricted areas for monks, visitors must be respectful ❄️ Closed for winter (January 2 - March 31) due to treacherous roads # Tips 🙏 Be respectful of the operational monastery and its rules 🅿️ Large parking area available, save smaller spots for elderly/handicapped 🍽️ Vegetarian lunch available Sat/Sun noon-1pm, $7 donation suggested 👶 Baby changing area on ground floor of Great Buddha Hall # Cost 💰 Lunch donation suggested $7 per person # Hours 🕒 Daily 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, April through December. # 🅿️ Parking Designated parking areas available, including handicapped spaces. # 🚻 Toilets Restrooms with baby changing area available on ground floor of Great Buddha Hall.