As we continue our coverage on “Monks of the City,” we go to the heart of Brooklyn's Chinatown. NY1’s Jeanine Ramirez filed this report.
In a neighborhood that's bustling, there's a center of calm.
"This community developed so fast. It's unbelievable," says Master Kwan Neng of Xi Fang Temple.
Kwan Neng says he opened the Xi Fang Temple on Eighth Avenue in Sunset Park back in 2000 to serve the growing Chinese population.
"This neighborhood most people believe in Buddhism. When I started a temple I thought I needed to have a temple here to provide people to have a chance to pray," says Neng.
They come to pray, to light incense, to find prayer beads and make offerings of flowers and food as a sign of respect for Buddha.
Their kneelers are turned upright to become their seats during services.
Neng says there are about 60 regular worshippers here.
"Most of the people are coming from China from Xin Dong," Neng says.
He says the already fast-growing population in Sunset Park surged after the September 11th attacks as more Chinese chose to live in Brooklyn rather than Lower Manhattan. Neng has now expanded beyond religious services. He offers Chinese language school on the second floor and a vegetarian restaurant in the basement—all based on basic Buddhist beliefs.
“"We want people to have healthy eating habits and we also want people to have more compassion. We wish that war become peaceful," Neng says.
He wants to open more temples for Chinese Buddhists who find their way to the city.
"I moved to New York because I love it. New York is like China—so many people here. It's very convenient. I love it," he says.
Neng also says this space keeps community members centered.