Dharma Drum Mountain Introduction
Fagu Mountain is located in the Sanjie District of Jinshan District, New Taipei City, on a hillside at the intersection of the North Coastal Highway and Yangjin Highway. The architecture is primarily characterized by earthy tones of brown, gray, and white, representing a tribute to the earth and embodying the tranquility and stability of Buddhism. Here, Master Sheng Yen has gathered the merits of benefactors from all directions to build the Fagu Mountain World Buddhist Educational Park, integrating education, practice, and culture. Along the road to Fagu Mountain, there are three pilgrimage trails: the Streamside Pilgrimage Trail, the Prayer Pilgrimage Trail, and the Pilgrimage Boardwalk. The scenery along the trails is surrounded by mountains on three sides, featuring beautiful views, singing birds, and fragrant flowers. Visitors to Jinshan are encouraged to take a trip to Fagu Mountain to experience the atmosphere away from worldly noise. In March, the azaleas bloom under the Prayer Hall of Fagu Mountain, and the Prayer Trail is surrounded by a sea of pure white azaleas. This is followed by the flowering of the tree known as "April Snow," and in May and June, the Taiwan native "Tiger Lily" cultivated in the park comes into bloom, offering beautiful floral views in different seasons. The name "Fagu" is derived from the "Lotus Sutra": "May heavenly beings honor and turn the unsurpassed Dharma wheel, strike the great Dharma drum, and blow the great Dharma conch, showering the great Dharma rain, liberating countless beings. May we all return and request, to transmit the profound and far-reaching sound." It is hoped that the sound of the Dharma drum will enable those who do not understand the Dharma to comprehend it, allowing those who have never encountered the Dharma to see it. The aspiration is for everyone to benefit from the Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, bathing in the rain of compassion and wisdom, making human society a healthy, peaceful, and harmonious paradise. Visitors to Jinshan are encouraged to visit Fagu Mountain to feel the atmosphere far removed from worldly distractions.
