Monastery Gate

• 1. At the center of the main gate plaza of Chung Tai Chan Monastery stands a large marble boulder, serving as the monastery’s guardian stone. Surrounding it are landscaped plantings of Buddhist pines, Juniperus chinensis, and Fengkang persimmons, creating a harmonious natural setting. Flower beds separating the vehicle lanes are planted with Lanyu Buddhist pines and Dragon Chinese junipers, blending safety, functionality, and aesthetic beauty into the space.
• 2. Next to the monastery gate stands a stone engraved with the words of a Chan master: “First, to create a scenic setting for the mountain gate; second, to set an example for future generations.” These words, along with the dignified presence of the pine and cypress trees, serve to inspire practitioners to become role models of cultivation. On the nearby inscription wall is the founding abbot’s calligraphy of the Four Tenets of Chung Tai, serving as guiding principles for all disciples. The serene and pure atmosphere reflects the essence of a Chan monastery, welcoming visitors to enter Chung Tai, step into the Dharma realm of the Buddhas, and walk together on the path to enlightenment.