The Special Use Permit Doesn't Cover Souls

A special use permit for a proposed Buddhist retreat has the community asking, what would Jesus do?

1 minute read

December 30, 2003, 8:00 AM PST

"The question arose after an international Tibetan group chose 350 acres here as a place to teach meditation and caregiving for the terminally ill. The beauty of Berne, a remote Hilltown of 2,846 residents with no industry, drew Rigpa, which has centers in 11 countries, project manager Judith Brown said. The group hopes to complete approvals in April and begin revamping the former New School University's camp on Game Farm Road. Rigpa looked at 40 sites throughout New England and the Catskills... Then came the letters: 'The spiritual environment of our area and more importantly the destiny of our souls is at stake.'... The special-use permit didn't cover souls."

Thanks to Sam Gold

FULL STORY: Buddhist retreat plans stir a community

Sunday, December 28, 2003 in Times Union

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