Nung Chan Monastery

Why is this tranquil oasis reflected in a pool of water? We are standing before the Nung Chan Monastery. It is a testament to the resilience of spirit and the enduring power of faith. The history of Nung Chan Monastery begins not with grand pronouncements, but with the quiet dedication of a single monk. Venerable Master Dongchu, a disciple of the renowned Chinese Buddhist master Taixu, purchased this very land in the late 1960s. He envisioned a space where the principles of Chan Buddhism could flourish, a place of peace and contemplation amidst the growing city. The name “Nung Chan,” meaning “Farming Chan,” reflects the monastery’s early years. With few followers, Venerable Master Dongchu and a handful of disciples worked the land themselves, embodying the Buddhist principle of self-sufficiency. In 1975, the first structure, a modest two-story farmhouse, was completed. This building, now a protected heritage site, stands as a reminder of the monastery’s humble beginnings. Imagine the rhythmic chants of monks mingling with the sounds of nature, their simple robes brushing against the earth as they tended their crops. This was a time of hard work and quiet determination. Today, the Nung Chan Monastery has undergone a transformation. While it continues to serve as a place of worship, it has also become a haven for those seeking respite from the bustling city. The modern architectural marvel before you, with its striking reflections in the Water-Moon Pool, is the Water-Moon Dharma Center. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, reflecting the very essence of Nung Chan Monastery: a place where the enduring wisdom of Buddhism finds new life in a modern world.