Thượng Hạnh Buddhist Monastery — Attraction in McKinney

I've been practicing many aspects I adopted of Buddhism since I was 15 (now 26) but never could figure out how to properly familiarize myself with it as a proper religion or way of life, and so I set out to find a monk and a monastery. I live far from here, but I took my grandma to visit this monastery while I was in the Dallas area. We had to drive for almost an hour (you know Dallas traffic), but it was well worth it for both of us.

Khai Thien is the name of the monk who maintains this beautiful place, hosts prayers and other gatherings in the monastery, and a quaint gift shop that I really do recommend at least poking your head in, as especially if you aren't really familiar with what Buddhism really is, he wrote a book that he carries in the shop which does a wonderful job at answering most if not all questions you could have.

The sort of guide he took us on wasn't overly involved like most places I've been that offered guides, he explained some things, when events will be, and otherwise left us to explore the gorgeous grounds and garden, and it was easy to find him when we had questions.

He's understandably passionate about what he does, and it rubbed off on us. I absolutely...

Amazing place! Very peaceful, beautiful and the people around are very helpful. They answer any questions you have and are willing to explain everything. There are hymns playing everywhere which is soothing to the ears.

The indoors at the monastery is for praying and beside it a small outdoor area where there’s another place of worship and you can just sit there listening to the hymns and the sounds of flowing water. There are some sculptures and miniatures all around the outdoor area and many benches located throughout to absorb the beauty of the place.

There is one big statue of Buddha(Avalokitesvara) and was also told the bell which is beside it is the largest in the US! You can even gong the bell and feel the vibration. You get inner peace here, walking around the place.

This amazing Buddhist Monastery is a “must visit” for its beauty and serenity - we were also told that they conduct prayers every Sunday at around 10:00 AM.

I’m sure to visit this place...

Peaceful and calm place to be. If you plan to visit this place , please be mindful and make sure to maintain a sense of peace & silence. It a beautiful monastery set in calm surroundings. Please be mindful to maintain that peace. At the time we visited the monastery , we were the only visitors. And so , it was a very serene experience for us. We paid our respects inside and took time out to sit in peace at the garden beside the monastery. You can meditate there if you like. The sound of birds and streaming water creates a sense of tranquility that makes you forget your surroundings and just compels you to submit to the calmness. The person attending to us informed us of meditation classes on Friday mornings. We also purchased few items from the gift shop. All in all , a very calming...