Dharma Drum Mountain Introduction
Fagu Mountain is located in Sanjie Village, Jinshan District, New Taipei City, situated on a hillside at the intersection of the Northern Coastal Highway and Yangjin Highway. The architecture here features a color palette of brown, gray, and white, representing a tribute to the earth and reflecting the stability and serenity characteristic of Buddhism. Here, Master Sheng-yen gathers the merits of devotees from all directions to create the Fagu Mountain World Buddhist Education Park, which integrates education, practice, and culture. Along the road to Fagu Mountain, there are three pilgrimage trails: the Xibin Pilgrimage Trail, the Prayer Pilgrimage Trail, and the Pilgrimage Plank Trail. The trails are surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery, with the sound of birds and fragrant flowers, making it a worthwhile visit for travelers to Jinshan to experience the atmosphere away from the bustle of everyday life. The azaleas beneath the Prayer Hall at Fagu Mountain bloom in March each year, and the Prayer Trail is enveloped in pure white azalea flowers. Soon after, the tree commonly known as "April Snow" appears, and by May and June, the native Taiwanese "Hippeastrum" blooms. Each season offers beautiful floral displays to enjoy. The term "Fagu" is derived from the "Lotus Sutra": "We only wish that heavenly beings and humans alike respect and turn the supreme Dharma wheel; striking the great Dharma drum and blowing the great Dharma conch, may the great Dharma rain fall universally, saving countless sentient beings. We all request this, and it should sound deeply far-reaching." This expresses the hope that through the sound of the Dharma drum, those who do not understand the Buddhist teachings may come to understand, and those who have never encountered Buddhism may see it, with an expectation that everyone can benefit from the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, bathing in the rain of compassion and wisdom, making human society a healthy, peaceful, and harmonious paradise. Travelers visiting Jinshan should consider stopping by Fagu Mountain to experience the atmosphere away from worldly distractions.
