Grafton Peace Pagoda — Attraction in Town of Grafton

My visit inspired this poem. A Visit to the Grafton Peace Pagoda

It is a few days before the autumn equinox.

The red sumac and a few orange maples preface Fall’s splendor.

I also approach the last quarter of my time.

I drive from my daughter’s to my mother’s house

where four generations of my family gather.

On the way the Peace Pagoda attracts me,

a labyrinth through farmer’s harvested fields and forested hillsides

with switchbacks and dead ends.

I circle closer, than farther, than closer to my destination.

A worn sign marks the entrance.

I walk through the woods up the hill.

The path opens to a meadow.

At the top is a large white hemisphere, at least three stories tall,

supported by two granite terraces, capped by a golden sorin.

I am alone.

I circle around the first terrace facing outward

toward the meadow and the forest.

I circle around the second terrace facing inward

toward a series of tableaus of Buddha’s life.

Inside the Pagoda is empty, full of prayers for Peace.

I walk a third circle turning toward my self.

The autumn sun is warm and bright.

I am at peace for this moment.

I leave with gratitude and hope.

Cam...

The Grafton Peace Pagoda is a magnificent building located in Grafton, NY. The pagoda is 100 feet tall and 130 feet wide. Most of the building is actually made of recycled materials. Along with the pagoda is a temple, a serene pond, and gardens. The pagoda is located off of a dirt road, literally in the middle of the woods. Its unique location inspires peace and tranquility. You can walk on and around the pagoda. In the center of the pagoda is a statue of Buddha.If you circle the pagoda you will find artwork detailing the stages of Buddha’s life and death. There is also a temple you can see on the grounds. The temple is also very beautiful. The pagoda was built by Jan Yasuda, a Buddhist nun famous for her long walks for peace. Yasuda is famous for walking thousands of miles across the US. Yasuda once even walked from San Francisco to Washington D.C. There is a small parking lot located off a dirt road. There are signs in the parking lot informing you that you are near the pagoda. After parking just follow the gravel road to the main entrance. This is an educational, interesting, serene, and peaceful...

This is my fourth stop here. I try to stop whenever i go through this area of NY. I really do feel peaceful here, whether alone or with people. It feels like the world just slows and rhere is time to think with the hustle and bustle of life not following me there. The new england peace pagoda had a donation box. I did not see one here at grafton. I would leave a donation of one is available. I love the lightheartedness of the signs. I just love everything about it. I will be back. I took no photos this time. I just relaxed and took it all in. As for things to know-parling is small and across from the entrance. If taking the wooded path, sometimes there is some mud but there are easy ways around it. You will have to walk unless elderly or physically disabled ane inable to. There are two paths...a wooded path that has rocks through it, but is very nice. An easier gravel path up a hill. There are various benches to sit under trees. Cell reception can be limited and spotty. If you have the time, stop to take it in. Even if it isnt your kind of thing, to just so you can say you got to...