Dharma Drum Mountain 法鼓山, JinShan, Taipei

"Situated in an area resembling the shape of a drum lying on its side, Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) was named after an analogy in the Lotus Sutra ─ ”beating the large Dharma drum” ─ in the hope that by beating the mind-purifying Dharma drum, people may obtain peace and harmony. " ~ from DDMweb

We arrived at DDM on 5th Feb 2009, after about 1.5 hour's coach ride from the airport at Taipei. However, it is until 9th, after the cremation ceremony that we had time to organise a mini-excursion of DDM. (If I recall correctly, it had been raining since our arrival and the weather only turned sunny on 9th, day after the Cremation ceremony of Master Sheng Yen. Then it started misty & rainy on the eve (14th) and day of Ash Burial ceremony.)



Surrounding are landscapes of mini water-falls and streams with hugh rocks whereby during good weather, you could find one to sit on to meditate just like in the movies...

The Founding Guanyin Park 开山观音公园

The Founding Guanyin (开山观音), placed at the highest point of the center, witnessed the difficult process in founding DDM.

Medicine Buddha Loop & Medicine Buddha 药王园与古佛

Amidst the Medicine Buddha Loop, sits a mind calming Medicine Buddha in front of a bamboo forest.

We passed by this part of path which we later found out to be the Life Memorial Garden where the ashes are buried. Vey serene place.