Construction of the ‘New’ Nung Chan Monastery
The ceremony of the ‘new’ Nung Chan Monastery finally took place on the morning of 22 May, 2010, at the current site of the Nung Chan Monastery in Taipei. In the future, the new monastery will provide the public with better services, including Chan meditation sessions and lessons on Dharma.
The ceremony presided over by Deputy Abbot, Venerable Guo Hui, and was attended by many social celebrities who were also invited to take part and honor the ceremony.
Venerable Guo Hui explained that the goal of building the “new” Nung Chan Monastery is to further promote the idea of ‘uplifting the character of humanity and building a pure land on earth’ in society. The ceremony reminded that this ideal is something that the late Master Sheng Yen had dedicated his whole life to.
Due to people’s long-term solid commitment, the Nung Chan Monastery has successfully inherited the tradition and wisdom of orthodox Chinese Buddhism and the teachings of the late Master Sheng Yen. Venerable Guo Hui went on to conclude that by the time new Nung Chan Monastery is complete, the process of promoting orthodox Chinese Buddhism and the work of purifying one’s mind will be more efficient.
Since the ceremony was held on the same day as Vesak Day (Buddha’s birth/enlightenment/death day celebrations), Dharma Drum Mountain also hosted the Dharma Ritual and Philanthropic Party. More than five thousand people attended the event and participated in various activities prepared in order to enjoy the joy of Dharma.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)