【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

Venerable Master Jianying Shares Buddhist Insights on Three Life Views for the AI Era at National Taichung University of Science and Technology

2025/05/07

On May 7, 2025, Venerable Abbot Jianying of Chung Tai Chan Monastery was invited by National Taichung University of Science and Technology to deliver a speech titled “Three Life Views from Buddhist Wisdom for the AI Era.” The talk began at 3:30 p.m. and was held at the university’s International Conference Hall. This event drew nearly 200 enthusiastic participants, including the university president, faculty members, students, alumni, and guests.

3052^nd Buddha Bathing and Summer Sangha Retreat Gratitude Medicine Buddha Sutra Ceremony

2025/05/03

To celebrate the 3052^nd birthday of the fundamental teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha, and to repay the profound kindness of the Founding Abbot, Grand Master Weichueh, Chung Tai Chan Monastery held the annul Buddha Bathing and Summer Sangha Retreat Gratitude Medicine Buddha Sutra Ceremony on May 3^rd, 2025.

Nearly 14,000 disciples of the fourfold assembly joyfully gathered across eight ceremonial areas, including Perfect Illumination Lecture Hall, the Great Chan Hall, the Great Majesty Hall, and Prajna Lecture Hall.

During the ceremony, Venerable Abbot Jianying led the assembly in chanting sutras and bathing the Buddha in celebration of the Buddha’s virtues and in remembrance of the Grand Master’s profound compassion. In the afternoon, nearly 2,000 lay practitioners sincerely requested to receive the three refuges and the five precepts.

With unified resolve, the assembly has formally commenced the three-month Summer Sangha Retreat of daily gratitude and diligence practice. Through this dedicated cultivation, may the magnificent and pure merit repay the four kindnesses and relieve the suffering of the three wretched realms, guiding all sentient beings throughout the Dharma realms toward enlightenment.

The 2025 Memorial Ceremony in Honor of the Founding Patriarch of Chung Tai Chan Monastery

2025/04/08

On April 8^th, 2025, the anniversary of the Grand Master’s nirvana, Chung Tai Chan Monastery held the Founding Patriarch’s Memorial Ceremony in remembrance of Grand Master Weichueh Zhi’an for his profound kindness in establishing the monastery, nurturing monastics, and awakening our wisdom life.

The ceremony commenced at 9:30 a.m. with over seven thousand disciples from the United States, Australia, Japan, Italy, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, and Taiwan, who gathered in Chung Tai with hearts of gratitude, sincerity, and devotion. A live broadcast allowed overseas practitioners to follow the ceremony in real-time.

Selected Dharma Talks

RECENT NEWS

2025 Chan-Seven Spring Retreat for the Public at Chung Tai Chan Monastery

From January 30 to February 6, 2025, Chung Tai Chan Monastery held its annual Chan-7 Spring Retreat, led by Venerable Abbot Jianying. Nearly 900 participants from around the world, including Catholic monastics from Italy, gathered for intensive Chan meditation. The retreat featured teachings, meditation sessions, and daily rituals, guiding participants toward inner clarity and realization. Many left with renewed Dharma joy and a deepened commitment to applying their practice in everyday life.

GRAND MASTER'S DHARMA TALKS

Un-cling your Mind

For the Chan mind to manifest, our mind must be free from dwelling, delusions, attachments, and cravings. Realizing this clear and lucid mind is enlightenment, for only with awakening does the true cultivation of the Way begin.

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

Bhikshu Bao Tian --

A pure non-abiding mind is free of conceptualization. Cultivating with such purity brings virtues and can lead to enlightenment. As the story tells, offering to the sangha made with the utmost sincere and pure mind can even turn seemingly-worthless stones into endless blessings.

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.