Dharma Drum Mountain Introduction
Dharmagate Monastery is located in Sanjie Village, Jinshan District, New Taipei City, on a hillside at the intersection of the Northern Coastal Highway and Yangjin Highway. The architecture is primarily characterized by earthy tones of brown, gray, and white, celebrating the spirit of the earth and reflecting the calm and stable essence of Buddhism. Here, Master Sheng Yen gathered the merits of devotees to construct the Dharmagate World Buddhist Education Park, which integrates education, practice, and culture. Along the road to Dharmagate Monastery, there are three pilgrimage paths: the Streamside Pilgrimage Path, the Prayer Pilgrimage Path, and the Pilgrimage Boardwalk. The scenic views along the paths are surrounded by mountains, featuring beautiful landscapes, bird songs, and fragrant flowers. Visitors who have the opportunity to travel to Jinshan should take a stroll in Dharmagate Monastery to experience the atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the secular world. The azaleas beneath the Prayer Hall of Dharmagate Monastery bloom in March each year, and along the Prayer Pilgrimage Path, visitors can be surrounded by fields of pure white azaleas. This is followed by the appearance of the Styrax tree, commonly known as "April Snow." In May and June, the focus shifts to the native Taiwanese species, the Daylily, which has been restored in the park, offering beautiful floral sights in every season. The term "Dharmagate" is derived from the Lotus Sutra: "We humbly wish that gods and humans may turn the supreme wheel of Dharma, strike the great Dharma drum, and blow the great Dharma conch, pouring forth the great rain of Dharma to liberate innumerable beings. We all humbly request to perform profound and far-reaching sounds." This expresses the hope that the sound of the Dharma drum will enable those who do not understand the Buddhist teachings to comprehend them, and help those who have never encountered Buddhism to see it. The expectation is that everyone can benefit from the Triple Gem of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, bathing in the rain of compassion and wisdom, making our human society a healthy, peaceful, and harmonious paradise. Visitors to Jinshan should take a moment to wander through Dharmagate Monastery and feel the tranquility away from worldly distractions.
