Accessibility Update
BCBS has an electric utility vehicle available to support accessibility on campus. For participants with mobility needs, staff can help transport luggage between cars and guest rooms on opening and closing days.
At this time, we are not able to provide shuttle service between guest rooms, retreat sessions, and meals during retreats. If you have mobility needs, including luggage delivery on opening and closing days, please indicate this, along with your estimated arrival time, in the Additional Comments/Accessibility Needs section of the registration form. You may also contact us before your retreat at contact@buddhistinquiry.org.
Our
Campus
Nestled among the rolling hills of central Massachusetts, the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies is located in the quiet, rural town of Barre, about 1.5-2 hours west of Boston, MA, and 3.5-4.5 hours northeast of New York, NY. For generations, the land on which the Center now stands was stewarded by the Nipmuc people, whom we respectfully acknowledge.
Situated on 90 acres of wooded land, our beautiful campus includes several buildings and amenities and provides a tranquil environment for individuals to deepen their understanding and embodiment of Buddhist teachings and practice within a supportive community.
Buildings
on Campus
- The farmhouse, the only structure on campus when BCBS opened in 1991.
- The dharma hall which features comfortable seating for meditation practice and community gatherings.
- Various cottages for staff, practitioners, and our resident monk/scholar, Bhikkhu Anālayo.
Amenities
on Campus
- Simply and comfortably furnished rooms with shared bathrooms, including showers.
- Classroom and meditation hall spaces for integrating Buddhist study and practice.
- A library containing a curated collection of over 10,000 titles spanning a variety of Buddhist topics.
- A dining room where we serve delicious vegetarian meals - locally and organically sourced when possible, including fruits and vegetables from our garden.
- A vibrant garden lovingly tended to by staff and generous volunteers.
- Serene outdoor spaces and walking trails in the surrounding woods and fields.
- A stupa housing sacred relics of one of the Buddha’s foremost disciples, Sariputta.
