Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Woodstock, New York, US
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched on a hilltop in Woodstock, combining traditional Tibetan architectural elements with modern structures. The grounds contain several buildings including a large meditation hall, residential quarters for monks and visitors, and the Namse Bangdzo Bookstore that serves the community.
The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa founded the monastery in 1976 as a center for the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Its first abbot, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, led the institution for decades and shaped its spiritual direction.
Daily prayer practices and rituals shape how the grounds are used, following the traditional Tibetan Buddhist calendar throughout the year. Colorful prayer flags in red, gold, and blue flutter across the hilltop, serving as a constant visual reminder of the spiritual work that happens here.
Visitors should prepare for hilly terrain and mountain climate, especially during colder months, and wear appropriate footwear. The site has limited visiting hours and days, so it is wise to check ahead when outsiders are welcome.
The main meditation hall contains an impressive two-story Buddha statue that serves as the spiritual focal point of the site. This imposing sculpture creates a striking presence that often surprises first-time visitors when they enter the shrine room.
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