The Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center

Today I visited the Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center in Washington, New Jersey. Its nestled in the woods hidden away a bit off of the highway, but its certainly worth trying to find (we almost drove past it). I wasn't really sure what to expect until I checked the website, I had pictured a much more traditional looking temple exterior, but rather it is a modern looking building.

The entrance to the complex is easily recognized, as one passes through a large gate to enter the grounds. Going towards the temple itself is similar passing under an arch and up stairs leads you to a building that would not appear unfamiliar were it not surrounded by prayer scrolls. My friend who had brought me informed me that you could spin the scrolls to release the prayers (I was rather cautious the whole time and didn't touch them)


Entering the temple proper was a rather interesting experience, we had to remove our shoes before entering, but once inside we could see all of the large square room. The entire back wall was an altered filled with tapestry, statues of various sizes, flowers, and various offerings. On the right side of the back wall were numerous scrolls filling cubbies that ran the height of the wall.
The center piece to this alter were three large statues under a skylight, a golden Buddha, another smaller golden statue on the right and a dark bejeweled statue on the left. Ringing the room were photographs and tapestries dedicated to various individuals who were important to the center. Included were many photographs of the Dalai Lama, who has visited the center 6 times, a plaque of Geshes Wangyal the founder of the center, and several elaborate tapestries of Buddhist figures.

The center offers prayer and meditation every Sunday, as well as Buddhist philosophy classes Wednesday nights. In the summer the center also offers seminars over several weekends in which one can learn more in depth about Buddhism. In addition the center has an annual founders day at the beginning of February, and a Maitreya Festival each summer. The festival, from what I read on the website, is in honor of the future Buddha, Maitreya, and has a message from the Dalai Lama, prayers recited by monks, food, and entertainment.

The Stupa

A Stupa is shrine or memorial, this one in particular is dedicated to the founder of the center the late Geshe Wangyal who passed away in 1983. According to the website, the 21 foot tall Stupa contains the ashes of Geshe Wangyal in clay statues as well as many relics, scroll, and mantras, all encased in the concrete structure. The Dalai Lama himself consecrated the Stupa in 1984.

My visit to the center today was rather brief, it was a Saturday so not much was going on, but we were allowed full access to the temple, which was great. Hopefully I will be able to return to the center soon, and meet more of the people who go there to pray, meditate, and learn. It will also be wonderful to return in the spring to see the complex and all the greenery in all its glory.