Recommended: Pacem in Terris
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- June
- 22
Pretty unique and rewarding Father’s Day for me this year, and something I’d recommend.
We shelved the idea of a cookout or a ballgame this time out, and instead headed upstate to Warwick to visit Pacem in Terris — six acres of sculpture and meditation gardens along the Wawayanda River.
The gardens are the life work of Frederick Franck, a Dutch-born sculptor and author who spent nearly half a century adorning the land around his home with sculptures, artwork and meditation spaces. The NY Times did a nice piece on it three years ago.
Pacem in Terris essentially translates from Latin to mean Peace on Earth, and it’s in keeping with Franck’s spiritual outlook on life. Franck, who wrote more than 30 books on Buddhism and other subjects, died in 2006 at the age of 97, and the property is now maintained by his son, Lukas, as a nonprofit corporation.
Pacem is laced with Franck’s message, and immediately alerts visitors that it is “neither church, nor chapel, nor temple.” He cites his associations with Albert Schweitzer, Pope John XXIII and Buddhist scholar Daisetz Suzuki with helping shape his world view — and homages to them abound throughout.
Franck, a dental surgeon-turned artist, also has his work on display at the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Tokyo National Museum and St. John the Divine Church.
My girlfriend turned us on to the place, which she frequented in past during times when she sought solace and tranquility. It was also a hit for my son, who is 11.
I would note that younger children may not be as enthralled — the place is not a playground. But for older kids, it’s a worthwhile experience. My son was very taken by it and was very vocal about appreciating that he and I shared it on Father’s Day.
Anyway, Pacem in Terris is at 96 Covered Bridge Road in Warwick, and, while it’s a tad out of the way, it’s worth a trip. Most of it is literally in Franck’s back yard, so visitors are asked to be respectful.
However, it is also free, and opens to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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on Monday, June 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 am by Jorge Fitz-Gibbon.
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Category: Activities, Blended families, Childcare, Dating, Emotions, Entertainment, Environment, Family, Father's Day, Fatherhood, Growing, Holidays, Learning, Parenting, Playing, Relaxation, Single parents, Summer, Teenagers, Travel, Vacation, Values
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The Warwick winery is also a nice place to visit.
There’s also a buddhist temple up by newburg or coldsprings.. not a bad place.
Right you are, Steve. That’s the Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel. That’s a pretty spectacular place in itself.
we went up there .. they have a very nice and modest lunch they offer. it was very nice.
their coy pond is huge.
This Warwick winery is also a nice place to visit and many people we love it..God bless!
Where is the owner’s contact us page because i cant seem to find the form, prehaps the blog owner needs make it more easier to view.