Ithaca, NY is a magical place. Most people would have a hard time disagreeing. For us, it has so much to offer: amazing beauty, great hiking opportunities (we live within 25 mins. of 4 state parks and the national forest), wine country, abundant fresh local produce, a wide range of cuisines to choose from, open/liberal points of view, artisans galore, theater, and cultural opportunities to name a few. Ithaca seems to find it’s way onto almost every top ten list: Most Exciting College Towns, Wine Tours of the World, Best New York art spots that aren’t in NYC, America’s Most Romantic Towns, Best College Town, America’s Top 10 Lakes to Visit this Fall, 10 Most Livable Cities, #1 Smartest City in America, Best River Towns in America, 10 Best Places to Retire ~ you get the picture?!  It’s a great place to live or visit.

Apparently, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama thinks so too.  His Holiness picked Ithaca to be the North American Seat to his personal monastery — the Eastern branch being in Dharamsala, India, next to His Holiness’ home in exile. In 1992, Namgyal Monastery was located in a turn-of-the-century home in downtown Ithaca. Then in early 2004, the monastery received a generous donation and was able to purchase 28-acres located in the South-Hill neighborhood of Ithaca, which enabled them to expand housing and facilities for retreats. His Holiness named the retreat, Dü Khor Choe Ling, The Land of Kalachakra Study and Practice. The complex is yet to be finished but much of it was completed this summer, including a housing and dining hall for resident monks and visitors. When complete, the 13,000-square-foot complex will resemble a Mandala comprised of five buildings surrounding a central courtyard.

Namgyal Monastery

Not too long ago, I stumbled upon it while exploring the area. Well, not the Monastery itself but the beautiful arch entrance and land covered with prayer flags. I drove into the driveway marked Tibet Drive and paused right before the archway and noticed a 4 point buck deer pausing a little bit beyond the archway. We stared at each other for a couple of moments and then both left. I never entered, as there were “No Trespassing” signs and I did not want to intrude. Interestingly, Mathew’s school is located less than ½ mile from the Monastery.

Just recently, the Monastery was opened to the public for 2 weeks. We took this opportunity to visit on several occasions and experience some of their ceremonies. Seventeen monks from Ithaca and India came for the 14-day ceremony known as Kalachakra. The ritual and teachings are for world peace and all prosperity. Kalachakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel of time. It’s connected to some of the most complex teachings in the Buddhist tradition. The two weeks were filled with Kalachakara Ritual Prayer Ceremony, Kalachakara Sand Mandala Construction, Kalachakara Ritual Dance, Kalachakara Fire Puja and Kalachakara Six Session Guru Yoga Teaching and Practice Retreat. Unlike most Sand Mandala construction, which are swept away after completion this one will be viewed under a glass case for a whole year and then swept away, which speaks to the sacredness of this event.

The beginning stages of the Kalachakara Sand Mandala. Each grain represents the over 700 Tibetan deities.

The completed Kalachakara Sand Mandala

We also had the honor of watching the Fire Puja ceremony where offerings are made to the over 700 Tibetan deities. It was an amazing experience, full of chanting, music,colorful costumes and hours of offerings to the fire.

When I stop and pause to think about all the experiences we have had since moving here, I am filled with gratitude.  Sure, the world over is filled with amazing opportunities to experience great and beautiful things, but rarely are so many found in such a small area. Yes, indeed Ithaca is a magical place.

Alter inside the monastery.