Mahayana Temple Buddhist Association

Area Served

About Mahayana Temple Buddhist Association

The Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America, Inc., found in 1962, is the oldest Chinese Buddhist temple on the eastern coast of the United States. It was found by Mrs. Annie Ying, and funded by her husband Mr. James Ying. Both served as the Founding Co-Chairmen.Eastern States Buddhist Temple, or The Temple, was initially founded to fulfill the needs of Chinese Buddhists in the greater New York area and held its first services in a 20 by 20 space at 1544 Broadway in the rear part of Mr. Ying’s store at 1544 Broadway. Lunch and other activities were held in the basement. In 1962, Eastern States Buddhist Temple was officially registered and then rented its own space at 64 Mott St.. 50 years later, The Temple is still located there and had become a landmark and a community fixture.