The Teachings of Compassion and Wisdom Gather at Kongshan: A Kongshan Temple Anecdote (Part 2)

Currently, the entire Kongshan Temple property spans 205 acres, equivalent to about 83 hectares, and is located in Dutchess County in upstate New York, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from New York City.

The previous owners of this land managed it with great care; consequently, the landscape and interior furnishings are very well-maintained. The primary structures currently include: a monastic residence resembling a traditional Sanheyuan style courtyard, a Main Hall , a Dharma Practice Hall that doubles as a Debate Court and Dharma Assembly venue, a small lakeside cabin designated as a rest area for the Guru and Teacher, and a duplex residential building that can provide rest areas for the monastic community or lay volunteers.

Furthermore, there is a natural woodland on the north side, a large lake on the south side, and over 20 acres of farmland on the northwest corner that can be used by the monastics for farming, activities, and physical and mental exercise.

It is worth noting: Take a close look at the aerial photo of Kongshan Temple—do you notice anything intriguing? You might find that the main roads within the temple compound align to form a heart shape, and the lake at the bottom of the photo resembles a Dharma Conch Shell.

As the Venerables state: The heart symbolizes Bodhicitta, and the Dharma Conch Shell represents the Buddha's fearless spirit in propagating the Dharma and the widespread diffusion of the Dharma sound. We pray that under the guidance of the virtuous mentor and the precious Sangha, the teachings of combined Compassion and Wisdom may take root here and spread widely throughout the ten directions!