Dharma Drum Mountain Introduction
Fo Guang Shan is located in the Sanjie Village of Jinshan District, New Taipei City, on a hillside at the intersection of the North Coastal Highway and Yangjin Highway. The architecture is primarily in shades of brown, gray, and white, reflecting a tribute to the earth and embodying the serene and stable characteristics of Buddhism. Here, Master Sheng Yen gathered the merits of countless devotees to establish the Foguangshan World Buddhism Education Park, which integrates education, practice, and culture. Along the road to Fo Guang Shan, there are three walking trails for pilgrims: the Streamside Pilgrimage Trail, the Prayer Pilgrimage Trail, and the Pilgrimage Boardwalk. The trails are surrounded by mountains on three sides, with beautiful scenery and the sounds of birds and flowers. Travelers who visit Jinshan might take a stroll to Fo Guang Shan to experience the atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the secular world. In March, the azaleas beneath the Prayer Hall of Fo Guang Shan bloom, enveloping the Prayer Trail with a sea of pristine white azaleas. This is followed by the appearance of the tree known as "April Snow," and in May and June, the native Taiwanese "Tiger Lily" comes into bloom. Beautiful floral scenes can be enjoyed in every season. The name "Fo Guang" is derived from the Lotus Sutra: "We wish that all heavenly beings respect and turn the supreme Dharma wheel, strike the great Dharma drum, and blow the great Dharma conch, showering the great Dharma rain to save countless beings. May we all return and perform deep and distant sounds." This aims to convey the teachings of Buddhism through the sound of the drum, for those who do not understand Buddhadharma to comprehend, and for those who have never seen it to observe. It is hoped that everyone can benefit from the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, bathing in the rain of compassion and wisdom, making human society a place of health, peace, and harmony. Travelers visiting Jinshan are encouraged to stroll to Fo Guang Shan and experience the atmosphere away from the secular world.
