After Master Sheng Yen took charge of Nung Chan Monastery, his monastic and lay disciples gradually increased in number and the original farmhouse became too small, so the Monastery began its expansion with corrugated iron buildings. When it rained the roof in the Buddha hall would leak, then everybody had to work together to clean up mud and water. On sunny days they spread their bedding on the hot tin-roof to bake in the sun; on typhoon nights, they would gather to listen to the Master showing them the way of energetic chanting. Growing with the Monastery in a challenging material environment became a cherished memory for the early disciples