The natural environment of Dharma Drum Mountain, such as its creeks, walking trails, parks; its humane facilities such as the monastery’s main gate, three statues of Avalokiteshvara, the Dharma Lotus Bell, Main Temple, the Founding Memorial Hall, and the Life Park, are all scenic spots as well. This is the founding purpose of Dharma Drum Mountain by the founder Venerable Sheng Yen. It was his wish that the visitors who came to the mountain would benefit from the education of this “Chan Delight Environment.” Therefore, the discourse of this paper, based on the origin of establishing the Dharma Drum, is on the educational function of “the environmental instruction of Chan delight,” together with the meaning and goal of its promotion. With this we come to a better understanding of the modernization of Chan practice, the engagement of Buddha dharma both in our daily lives and the human world in recent Chinese Buddhism. Setting itself apart from other common religious sites, the establishment of Dharma Drum Mountain differs from other worldly educational organization. Education as the foundation, Zen practice as its spirit, it integrates nature with humanity to cultivate its followers, and realizes the ideal of building “a pure land on Earth.” Its dual qualities combine religion with education. If the content of “Environmental Instruction of Chan Delight” encompasses a set of complete discourses, disclosing its profound significance, which includes theory and practice, concept and methodology, it will help spread Buddhism worldwide.
