Briarcliff Students Learn About Buddhism In Visit To Monastery In Putnam

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. -- Briarcliff High School ninth-grade global studies students had the opportunity to see Buddhism practiced locally during a recent class trip to Chuang Yen Buddhist Monastery in Kent.

Briarcliff High School students pose with the largest Buddha statue in the Western Hemisphere at Chuang Yen Buddhist Monastery in Kent.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Joe Jenkins

11/19/2014 4:00 a.m.

“We are currently studying Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient China, and I thought it would be wonderful to see how Buddhism is practiced and learn from actual Buddhist monks,” teacher Paul Zeidan said in a statement. “We had a wonderful tour guide and were able to see a Buddhist ceremony honoring the deceased. We also got to see the largest Buddha statue in the Western Hemisphere."

Students respectfully removed their shoes during the visit and thoughtfully absorbed the details at the monastery.

“The kids enjoyed the Buddhist chants and being in an actual Buddhist temple,” Zeidan said. “It was an excellent day of hands-on learning and a unique firsthand cultural experience.”

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