Just off a busy state highway in New Jersey, one can find one of the largest Buddha statues in the United States—standing proud at 30 feet tall. This impressive figure looms over the serene grounds of the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center, located in Franklin Township, just near Princeton. Unexpectedly rising from the woods over the last decade, it embodies more than just artistic grandeur; it serves as a beacon of peace and interfaith connection among diverse religious communities.
Constructed under the guidance of the Venerable Hungampola Sirirathana Nakaya Thero, this statue was born from the monk's vision to unite people from various faith backgrounds. Today, the site has transformed from its residential roots to become an interfaith hub, drawing together Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and many more believers who seek solace and community at its feet. The statue’s presence reflects New Jersey’s rich and varied religious fabric, making it more than just a local landmark.
Among the diverse group of people who frequent the center is Daniel Choi, who teaches writing at Princeton University. Explaining his connection, Choi states, “It just seems to be a nucleus where people can connect.” He recalls how he started meditating before this giant statue back when it first became part of the community. Over the years, he has seen many individuals and groups come together here, often amazed at the tranquility it promotes amid the bustle of nearby traffic and construction noises.
The ambiance of the setting, filled with the fluttering of Tibetan prayer flags and the fragrance of offerings, fosters unique connections. According to Choi, it is challenging to find such open and welcoming spaces, considering many Buddhist centers across the U.S. are more private and less accessible to public practice. “The mix of people here is what makes it New Jersey,” he says. It’s not uncommon, for example, to find people from Sri Lankan, Korean, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese backgrounds engaged together—creating beautifully diverse interactions.
Local resident Carol Kuehn, 76, embodies the transformative power Buddhism has had on individuals who live near this statue. Raised as a Presbyterian, Kuehn became intrigued by Buddhism, propelled by Herman Hesse’s novel, “Siddhartha.” She recounts how the statue became the first thing she looks at each morning through her windows. After meeting her saffron-robed neighbors and discovering the local Buddhist community, she embraced the teachings, finding comfort and clarity during periods of grief due to her husband's passing.
“Meditation and the qualities the Buddha stood for—peace, compassion, and living in the moment—have fundamentally changed my life,” Kuehn shares. Her story signifies how deeply interconnected the lives of those drawn to the statue have become, transcending the barriers of different backgrounds.
Clutching her prayer beads as she prepares to meditate, Kuehn often joins the local monks as they chant Pāli sutras—ancient Buddhist scriptures—at the feet of the statue. The center’s gatherings, ranging from meditative chanting to interfaith community projects, are enriched by participants from multiple faith traditions, reinforcing the narrative of unity Kenny Yang, one of the volunteers, describes it perfectly: "It's as though in seeing the Buddha, everyone can find their own space for healing and spirituality. There’s no magic to it, but there’s power—and you can feel it.”
The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara actively supports interfaith activities, striving to build bridges within the community. Tulsi Majarjan, director of Friends of Nepal-NJ, shares how he helps organize interfaith gatherings and manages the beautiful peace garden located at the center. The murals painted by local students, highlighting symbols from various religions, are constant reminders of the peaceful coexistence all participants strive to achieve.
Reflecting on his early years, Majarjan expresses pride over the growth of religious diversity since his arrival in the Garden State over three decades ago. “Back then, I had to travel three hours to find the nearest Buddhist temple. Now, within ten minutes from home, I have access to this beautiful center,” he says, encapsulating how this statue symbolizes not just the tenets of Buddhism but also the harmony of many faiths living side-by-side.
With its unique location directly on Route 27 and surrounded by everyday life—traffic buzzes past and laughter dares to break the silence—the statue and its home reverberate with life. While it welcomes the curious tourists and local community members, it prompts them to explore and embrace these teachings. Passersby might sit on benches nearby, reflecting quietly on their day as they linger next to this interfaith shrine, absorbing the tranquility it has to offer.
The statue's design, standing on a pink concrete lotus flower, and the peace garden adjacent to the center open doors for connection between those who practice Buddhism and those representing other faiths. Visitors often leave feeling uplifted, with Kuehn noting, “It’s all about living in the moment.”
At the intersection of New Jersey traditions and global spirituality, the Buddha statue stands as more than just impressive art; it is, quite literally, the heart of interfaith effort. Celebrated not only for its height but also for the height of its impact, this statue draws the community together—each offering their unique stories, insights, and beliefs, all converging peacefully at the feet of the Buddha.
For many, it serves as both refuge and point of reflection. Far from the usual settings one might expect for such contemplative exploration, the juxtaposition of the statue against the everyday bustle of New Jersey is precisely what makes it so special. This balance embodies the central tenets of shared humanity—compassion, mindfulness, and unity. It's not just about personal practice; it’s about fostering collective strength and peace.