The history of the state of Maryland is full of some pretty fascinating episodes. One of the oldest ghost stories in America takes place in Maryland, for example, and the ghost dog hero of that tale inspired a saloon that’s well worth a trip. And of course, there’s any number of towns around the state that boomed with the B&O Railroad and a few museums like this one that are proud to tell those fascinating stories. But there’s one rather significant and particularly ancient historic and religious artifact that has made its way entirely around the world to call Germantown its home, and yet most Marylanders probably don’t even know it exists right in their own backyard.

Editor’s Note: Since the time of publication, we’ve learned the American Zen College is closed.

The gate of the American Zen College is visible from Germantown Road. The college was founded in the 1980s, and the campus houses a very special treasure with ancient roots in Buddhist tradition.
Hugh Taylor
There’s a brick courtyard surrounded by Buddha statues and a flower garden, constructed around…
Hugh Taylor
…This 30-foot pagoda, constructed in 1982. This pagoda was built out of beautiful limestone to house four relics attributed to the historic Buddha, known as Siddhartha Gautama or “Sakyamuni”.
Hugh Taylor
According to Buddhist belief, when enlightened beings are cremated, only ashes and special sacred gemstones known as sarira are left behind. This pagoda has at its center a steel box said to contain four of the sarira of the original Buddha - a gift made to the college by Korean Zen masters.
Hugh Taylor

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The story of the pagoda’s dedication can be read on the plaque placed in front of it. The surrounding area is serene and quiet, and it’s an almost eerie feeling to be in the presence of something so unimaginably ancient.
Hugh Taylor
The campus is home to a library, a gazebo, and many other statues and artifacts - like this Tibetan Buddhist shrine...
Hugh Taylor
...Or the Chung Dynasty Buddha statue rescued from the Cultural Revolution in China.
American Zen College
With plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy in solitude and quiet, this ancient artifact is an interesting cultural relic and definitely worth a visit!
Hugh Taylor

The American Zen College maintains a website where they coordinate their events and tell their story. What are some of your favorite historic escapes in Maryland?

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