Visit Dharma Drum Mountain, Nong Chan Monastery.

Nong Chan Monastery was founded in 1975 by Elder Dongchu. The monastery's main practices are 'Zen meditation as the primary focus, farming as the means of livelihood,' hence the name 'Nong Chan Monastery.' This place is also where Master Sheng Yen, the founder of Dharma Drum Mountain, was ordained in Taiwan. Later, Master Sheng Yen took over as the abbot, emphasizing spiritual environmentalism, giving lectures and teachings within the monastery, and even spreading the Dharma abroad. As the number of followers grew, the original iron-sheet house, which was converted from a farmhouse, was expanded to its current scale. Photos 3-4: 'Entering the Gate of Compassion, Compassion Garden,' a historical building with cultural significance. Photos 5-7: The impressive 'Diamond Sutra Wall,' which has over 5,000 characters of the sutra engraved on clay slabs. The L-shaped gray cement wall fully transcribes the Diamond Sutra. Photo 8: Before entering the main hall, you will pass through a long corridor next to the parking lot, where you can feel the solemn atmosphere while walking. Photo 9: The Water Moon Pool offers a beautiful reflection of the main hall. You can also experience meditation by the pool, thoroughly cleansing your mind, or simply sit on the steps by the pool and enjoy the beautiful scenery and architecture. Photos 10-12: Inside the main hall, there is a hollowed-out Heart Sutra on the wall. When sunlight shines through, it casts a projection on the floor, creating a very solemn atmosphere. Due to a Dharma assembly, tables and chairs are set up, but the main hall is usually empty. Photos 13-16: The Founding Farmhouse exhibits the development process of Nong Chan Monastery and Master Sheng Yen's journey of spreading the Dharma. Photos 17-19: The Zen Meditation Park, with a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at the top of the park. There are also eight cute little Zen children demonstrating various exercise movements. 📍Address: No. 89, Lane 65, Daye Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, 112 🕰️Business Hours: 09:00–16:30