【Chung Tai Chan Monastery】

FOUNDING ABBOT

It takes years to grow trees to build a temple, but decades to prepare monastics to turn the Dharma wheel. Following the “Three Links of Cultivation,” which integrates the disciplines of service, scripture studies, and meditation as the guiding principle to cultivation, the Grand Master promoted sangha education, social education, and school education. From practicing in seclusion to turning the Dharma wheel, whether in action or in stillness, he had always diligently lived by the Buddhist teaching, leading his disciples to fulfill the bodhisattva way. Abiding by the motto “When in stillness, rest all thoughts; when in action, perfect all actions.,” the Grand Master set an exemplary model of Buddhist cultivation for all.

Grand Master Weichueh

LATEST NEWS

2025 Chan-Seven Summer Retreat for Academia at Chung Tai Chan Monastery

2025/06/29~07/06

From June 29 to July 6, 2025, Chung Tai Chan Monastery hosted the Summer Academia Chan-7 Retreat, with Venerable Abbot Jianying respectfully invited to serve as the retreat's presiding master. More than 1,200 participants—including academics, students, and devotees from affiliated centers in Taiwan, the United States, Italy, Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Japan—gathered in the Chan Hall for intensive meditation practice. Nearly 400 volunteers also devoted themselves to supporting the eight-day retreat, helping to bring this rare and auspicious Dharma assembly to fruition through their selfless service.

Selected Dharma Talks

RECENT NEWS

Venerable Master Jianying Shares Buddhist Insights on Three Life Views for the AI Era

Sharing Buddhist perspectives on interdependence, universal potential for awakening, and compassion as guiding values, Master Jianying also introduced the “One Mind, Five Strengths” framework to navigate the challenges of the AI era. The speech offered timely insights on balancing technology with inner wisdom and concluded with a sense of inspiration and Dharma joy.

GRAND MASTER'S DHARMA TALKS

The Mind is the Buddha

By reflecting with mindfulness, we keep the mind clear and lucid, allowing stillness and wisdom to arise naturally. When deluded thoughts, mistaken views, and attachments subside, the mind remains in command, unmoving and aware. In that state, the mind itself is the buddha.

MONASTERY HALLS

The architecture of Chung Tai Chan Monastery harmoniously integrates elements of art, culture and technology with the Dharma, and serves as a demonstration of the “Five Directions of Spreading Buddhism.” It was awarded the “Taiwan Architecture Award” in 2002, and the “International Award for Lighting Design” in 2003, writing a new page in 21st century Buddhist architecture.

SELECTED SWEET DEW OF THE DHARMA

Selected Sweet Dew of the Dharma

DHARMA STORIES

Sweetness and Light

When we wholeheartedly praise the Buddha, joy arises and karmic obstacles begin to dissolve. In letting go of self-attachment, greed, and anger, we open the way for the ten blessings to unfold and allow the virtues of our intrinsic mind to shine through.

VEGETARIAN RECIPES

Compassion is one of Buddhism’s fundamental tenets. Eating a vegetarian diet with the intention to save sentient beings helps us live gentler and purer lives. Here, we regularly share healthy vegetarian recipes so you can not only experience the joy of vegetarian eating, but also cultivate a more compassionate mind.