The monks of New Braunfels Dao Tam Buddhist Temple built their temple where they hoped to lead a quiet life. That decision has now landed them in court.

Resident of Ashby Acres Subdivision Gerry Meyer is suing Dao Tam Buddhist Temple and its venerable monk Hung Nguyen, complaining the temple is not following the property restrictions. Despite closer neighbors arguing the temple has been quiet and no bother at all, Meyer, a resident of one of the lots, filed the suit stating the number of people who attend events at the temple disrupt him and his family, and the structures on the temple’s land violate the lot’s use restrictions.

The monk is the only permanent resident, but despite Mr. Meyer’s efforts to have him and the temple removed from the land, he is not worried.

Life as a monk is a life of peace, he says.

Hung Nguyen leads a chant in meditation at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Nguyen prays three times, as well as tends to the temple grounds and practices tai chi. “That’s my day, everyday, day after day. It’s a very relaxe… — Hung Nguyen leads a chant in meditation at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Nguyen prays three times, as well as tends to the temple grounds and practices tai chi. “That’s my day, everyday, day after day. It’s a very relaxed, peaceful and calm life,” said Nguyen.

Dung Compton prays at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Compton attends services every Sunday. The temple is home to many Vietnamese residents in New Braunfels and surrounding areas.

From left, Lien Truong, Dung Compton, Hung Nguyen and Hung Tran begin afternoon prayer at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. "When I became a monk, I had to let go of all family and belongings. This is my family now,” said Ng… — From left, Lien Truong, Dung Compton, Hung Nguyen and Hung Tran begin afternoon prayer at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. "When I became a monk, I had to let go of all family and belongings. This is my family now,” said Nguyen.

Dung Compton peers out the window as she waits for Hung Nguyen to arrive and begin afternoon prayer at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019.

Nguyen walks the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple grounds on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019.

Lien Truong makes food for Nguyen while on the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple grounds on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Temple members, such as Truong, help Nguyen through small acts of service throughout the week as a sign of gratitude.

Nguyen prays over the food before lunch at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple grounds on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019.

Dung Compton and Hung Tran pray at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019.

Nguyen sweeps the floor inside the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019.

Nguyen leads a chant in meditation at the Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. “I teach people to push away evil thoughts and have a mellow, peaceful state of mind,” he said.

The Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. A Guadalupe County jury decided in favor of New Braunfels’ only Buddhist temple and its resident monk Hung Van Nguyen on Oct. 4, 2019, ruling the Buddhists are not in violation of the Ashb… — The Đạo Tâm Buddhist Temple on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019.
A Guadalupe County jury decided in favor of New Braunfels’ only Buddhist temple and its resident monk Hung Van Nguyen on Oct. 4, 2019, ruling the Buddhists are not in violation of the Ashby Acres Subdivision deed restrictions in a lawsuit filed against them by neighbor Gerry Meyer.