Maui Dharma Center — Attraction in Maui

I was recently introduced to Buddhism a few years ago and began practicing Vipassana daily about 1 year ago. We kept walking by and each time I’d tell my partner my plans to meditate here. After we were robbed of all of our belongings we immediately came here to meditate. The garden appeared closed but a monk directed us around the side to an opening and invited us to stay. I meditated for some time with the soft woody clapping of the enormous tropical plant leaves jostling in the wind. I felt safe here to permit the intense thoughts and feelings I was experiencing despite STRONG aversion. Turns out they were impermanent; my internal space was entirely different when I left. I’m so grateful for the existence of the Maui Dharma Center and the teachings of the Buddha; every day I grow freer from the entrapment of my conditioning.

‘Bare attention also brings the mind to a state of rest. An untrained mind is often reactive, clinging to what is pleasant and condemning what is unpleasant, grasping what is liked, pushing away what is disliked, reacting with greed and hatred. A tiring imbalance of mind. As bare attention is cultivated more and more we learn to experience our thoughts and feelings, situations and other people, without the tension of attachment or aversion. We begin to have a full and total experience of what it is that’s happening, with a restful and balanced mind.’ -...

Very much appreciate this sacred Stupa and Dharma Center in the heart of Paia town. It's rare to find such a holy place as this in the U.S. and especially one that is so accessible. The Stupa is open everyday from 6 am - 6:30 pm and was designed by the Resident Teacher the Venerable Lama Gyaltsen. After great efforts for it to be built, the Stupa was afterwards consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. There's an exquisitely large wooden prayer wheel inside including decorative, colorful paintings of Chenrezig, Green Tara and Buddha Amitabha inside the small shrine room. There's a lovely-sounding bell that is rung each time the wheel goes around, a comforting reminder of the positive intention for peace, love and joy...

Was really surprised to see this here. Didn’t think such a place would be so close to a tourist area. I didn’t get to go inside as it was closed that day. Also didn’t think such a place followed US holiday schedules. But who am I think think otherwise…

One old lady looked at me weird and I said I wasn’t going in the housing area but just taking pictures from the parking lot. She said ok nicely and went on her way. However a couple minutes later got a piercing look from another old lady sweeping the Stupa area. I would think a place like this would be more welcoming. But who am I to...