Dharma Drum Mountain Farm and Meditation Center Introduction
Dharma Drum Mountain originated from the "Chinese Buddhist Cultural Center" and "Nong Chan Monastery" established by Master Dongchu. In 1955, Master Dongchu built the Chinese Buddhist Cultural Center in Beitou to promote Buddhist culture and provide winter relief. In 1971, he and his disciples cultivated the Guandu Plain, and in 1975, a farmhouse was completed. Master Dongchu named this place "Nong Chan Monastery," emphasizing "Meditation as the main practice, farming as a means of livelihood." In 1977, Master Dongchu passed away without illness and entrusted Master Sheng-yen to inherit the Dharma lineages and take over the positions of the Chinese Buddhist Cultural Center and Nong Chan Monastery, dedicating himself to promoting Buddhism and meditation. Due to the increasing number of believers, in July 1989, Master Sheng-yen officially announced the new Dharma practice site in Jinshan would be named "Dharma Drum Mountain," outlining a clear blueprint for its future development—functioning in education, culture, and the dissemination of the Dharma, providing a good environment for practitioners to purify their body and mind and using Buddhism to stabilize people's hearts and society. (Source: Dharma Drum Mountain - Nong Chan Monastery Official Website) Architectural Features: The architecture of Dharma Drum Mountain Nong Chan Monastery integrates elements of traditional Zen temples with modern design, cleverly blending with the surrounding natural environment. The overall architectural style is simple and unadorned, emphasizing openness and the introduction of natural light, aimed at creating a harmonious and tranquil space for practice and living.
