The Woo Ju Memorial Library is a library in the grounds of Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent, Putnam County, New York, United States, run by the Buddhist Association of the United States (BUAS). It selects “Buddhism” and “Mind, Spirit, and Health” related publication on a regular basis, so as to showcase the library collection, and provides loan, references, and library tour services.
From the middle of 2010 till now, the Library has held close to twenty English Buddhism Dharma Talks. They have invited scholars, authors, and professors who are experts in different fields to enrich our awareness and in-depth understanding of Buddhism and the Buddhist lifestyle. The lecturers have included: Harvard University professor expertise in Yogacara school – Dr. Dan Lusthaus; Harvard Buddhist Study Dr. Wei-jen Teng; Columbia University Professor Chun-fang Yu; Harvard psychologist pioneer Dr. Paul Fulton; UCLA “Amerasia Journal” Chief Editor Dr. Russell Leong; St. Joseph University Professor James Carter; Dharma Drum Buddhist Institute Dr. Tzung Kuen Wen; renowned Pali Buddhist Scholar Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi; BAUS Chuang Yen Monastery Abbot Ven. Dhammadipa Sak…etc. These lectures covered the study of Buddhist canon, Sutra; special concepts in Buddhism - such as Karma; the stories and practices of Bodhisattvas; the scientific development of meditation and psychology; the search of truth; Buddhist point of view in worldly events….etc.
Since October 2012, the library has held a “Mind over Movie” series on the first Saturday of each month. The movie discussion is led by Professor Russell Leong to discuss Buddhism concepts in films. They have been shown mainstream film such as Awake to discuss near death experience; Korean Buddhist film Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring… to investigate the meaning of life through the change phases in human life; the Japanese Buddhist Film “Zen. It has provided a communication platform for shared understanding in the quest for life.
The library divides its collection into the following areas: Loaned, Multimedia, Reference, Periodical and Magazine, BAUS publication, Youth and Children.