Dharma Drum Mountain Nung Chan Monastery Introduction
Fagu Shan was developed from the "Chinese Buddhist Cultural Museum" and "Nong Chan Temple" established by Master Dongchu. In 1955, Master Dongchu built 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 farmhouse was completed and named "Nong Chan Temple," based on the principle of "meditation as the main practice, agriculture as the means of living." In 1977, Master Dongchu passed away peacefully and entrusted Master Sheng Yen to continue the Dharma work and take over as the abbot of the Chinese Buddhist Cultural Museum and Nong Chan Temple, dedicating himself to promoting Buddhism and Zen practice. Due to the increasing number of followers, in order to find a building site for a temple that has permanence, stability, and future potential, Master Sheng Yen officially announced in July 1989 the naming of the new temple in Jinshan as "Fagu Shan," outlining a clear blueprint for future construction—emphasizing education, culture, and Dharma promotion, providing a good environment for practitioners to cultivate Buddhism and purify body and mind, using Buddhist teachings to stabilize hearts and society. (Source: Fagu Shan Nong Chan Temple Official Website) Architectural Features The architecture of Fagu Shan Nong Chan Temple integrates elements of traditional Zen monasteries with modern design, skillfully blending into the surrounding natural environment. The overall architectural style is simple and unadorned, focusing on openness and the introduction of natural light, aiming to create a harmonious and tranquil space for practice and living.
