Our Center
Chan Hall 
The Chan Hall overlooks the rest of the campus. As our main
meditation hall, the Chan Hall also serves as a multipurpose
center for demonstrations, discussions, and teachings. Inside,
the main meditation hall houses our large, beautiful altar and
about 5000 square feet of meditation space. Cushions and chairs
are provided. Hallways leading from the meditation area all look
into the enclosed Zen Garden.
Zen Garden
The Zen Garden provides a tranquil inner scene in an enclosed
courtyard at the Chan Hall. It can be viewed from four sides
through the its floor to ceiling glass of the Chan Hall and the
three hallways. The garden is maintained in a traditional style,
with foliage and design considerations that compliment our Upstate
climate.
Reception Hall
The First Floor of the Reception Hall contains the visitors’ Reception
Area, the Administrative Offices, the Library, and the adjacent
Contemplation Hall,. You will need to register in the Reception
Area when you first arrive for a retreat or workshop. Free literature
is available here about Dharma Drum, and small publications for
study and daily reflection by Master Sheng Yen. The sitting area
is available for meetings and socializing. The Library contains
texts in both English & Chinese, including some key titles
of Master Sheng Yen’s many publications. We are currently
working on building a general collection of Buddhist works for
open circulation. Until this is ready, you are welcome to sit
and read in the library. The adjacent serene Contemplation Hall
is an additional meditation space for individual and small group
use. The Second Floor is reserved for the nuns’ quarters
and visitors are respectfully asked not to go upstairs.
Dining Hall
Staffed regularly by volunteer chefs and center residents,
the modern kitchen in our Dining Hall is 100% vegan. This upholds
one of the five Buddhist precepts, to abstain from taking life.
Mindfully prepared, nourishing meals are served in an inviting
contemplative space. The Dining Hall is accented by wood floors
and beams, exposed brick and interior and exterior fire places.
With its raised stage and altar area, the Dining Hall is also
used for events and lectures.
Men's & Women's Dormitories
Comfortable and basic accommodations are provided in private
rooms for retreat participants and center residents. Men and
women are housed in separate dormitories, each accommodating
up to 40 guests, with modern bathroom facilities. These are non-smoking
facilities, as is the entire center.
Sangha House 
The Sangha House is an updated bungalow style home situated
near the Chan Hall. It is one of the first buildings you see
on the left when you enter the campus. This is the Abbot’s
and monks’ quarters. Visitors are respectfully asked not
to approach the Sangha House.
Indoors & Outdoors
Sitting and walking meditation as well as Dharma study are
held both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather. Paved
walkways connect all of our buildings, and unpaved footpaths
extend into the woods, around the lake and through the property.
There are benches beside the lake. Visitors are welcome to enjoy
the grounds at any time - we simply ask that you respect the
flora and fauna by causing as little impact as possible.
 Printable view
|
