When the iron bird flies, and horses run on wheels, the Tibetan people will be scattered like ants across the world, and the Dharma will come to the land of the red men.
-- Padmasambhava, 8th Century
For the past few days I've been visiting family in Oklahoma, where I grew up. I was astonished to learn that in the last few years, a Zen (Cha'n) Buddhist monastery has been established in a small town called Choctaw, on the outskirts of sprawling Oklahoma City. I visited and meditated at the monastery several times, and found the Taiwanese nuns there to be extremely warm-hearted and open and full of wisdom and gentleness.
The monastery currently occupies what used to be a small church along with a couple of adjoining houses -- but the property includes 37 acres and plans are to expand and build a much larger monastery in the next couple of years, a place where 7-day retreats can be held.
So, if you should ever find yourself in Oklahoma....
3 comments:
Seems like it should be "Bubba Mind" or "Buddha Mind Monastery and Truck Stop".
Really, it's great. Like a welcoming little oasis in the desert.
Your friend and fellow escapee...
-Stephen
thank you for posting Buddha Mind Monastery.
I live in Oklahoma as well. I visit a Monastery call Buddha Mind Monastery, a Branch Of Chung Tai Monastery of Grand Master Wei Chueh. I think that is the one you were referring to! It is such a wonderful place. The Bhiksunis was extremely kind and nice. I am hoping to come back there again.
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