Dharma Drum Mountain - Nung Chan Monastery Introduction
Dharma Drum Mountain originated from the "Chinese Buddhist Cultural Museum" and "Nongchan Temple" founded by Master Dongchu. In 1955, Master Dongchu established the Chinese Buddhist Cultural Museum in Beitou to promote Buddhist culture and provide winter relief. In 1971, he led his disciples to cultivate the Guandu Plain, and in 1975, a farm cottage was completed. Master Dongchu named this place "Nongchan Temple," emphasizing "meditation as the main practice, farming for livelihood." In 1977, Master Dongchu passed away peacefully and entrusted Master Sheng Yen to continue the Dharma work, taking over as the abbot of the Chinese Buddhist Cultural Museum and Nongchan Temple, dedicating himself to promoting Buddhism and Zen practice. Due to the increasing number of followers, and in search of a site for a temple that would be sustainable, stable, and future-oriented, Master Sheng Yen officially announced in July 1989 that the new temple in Jinshan would be named "Dharma Drum Mountain." He outlined a clear blueprint for the future development of the temple—serving educational, cultural, and Dharma promotion functions, providing a conducive environment for practitioners to cultivate Buddhist teachings and purify body and mind, and using Buddhism to stabilize people's hearts and society. (Source: Dharma Drum Mountain Nongchan Temple Official Website) Architectural Features The architecture of Dharma Drum Mountain Nongchan Temple blends elements of traditional Zen temples with modern design, skillfully integrating with the surrounding natural environment. The overall architectural style is simple and unadorned, focusing on spatial openness and the introduction of natural light, aiming to create a harmonious and tranquil space for practice and living.
