Founded on the day commemorating the enlightenment of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, Ling Jiou Mountain is located on Taiwan’s northeast coast, near Cape Bitou and Cape Sandiao. Rising 384 meters above the ocean, Qilinyan presents a magnificent spectacle. The expansiveness of the ocean and mountains, along with the stone buildings with tiled roofs scattered above the cliffs, give expression to Master Hsin Tao’s style of "living Chan"—work and practice, life and merit.
The mountain is located on Taiwan’s northeast coast, near Capes Bitou and Sandiao, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Inspired by the landscape, ecology, and its suitability for spiritual cultivation, Master Hsin Tao called this place "Ling Jiou Mountain"(靈鷲山, the Chinese translation of the Sanskrit Gṛdhrakūṭa "Vulture Peak"), in commemoration of Gṛdhrakūṭa in India, the birthplace of Mahayāna Buddhism.
 While practicing austerities Master Hsin Tao referred to himself as "Wu Sheng" (無生, literally "unborn"), in reference to the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice—nirvāṇa. In true Chan fashion, the Monastery’s buildings are dispersed around the mountain in harmony with the topography. The Monastery began with just the Fahua Cave where Master Hsin Tao undertook solitary fasting, and then gradually expanded. This center of spiritual practice is often half covered in mist and fog, and the whole setting embodies the beauty of religious art, giving expression to the "Sacred Mountain of Huayan—a place of religious and cultural education" envisioned by Master Hsin Tao.
Visitor Information
Here is the sacred place for worshipping Buddha, hearing the Dharma, and meditating. Please do not frolic, burn joss paper or evoke supernatural spirits.
1. When visiting a Buddhist monastery please behave in a modest manner and refrain from making excessive noise and wearing revealing clothing.
2. Please do not harm any plants or animals, and refrain from littering.
3. Hunting, fires, and meat are prohibited on the monastery grounds, as are cigarettes, betel nuts, alcohol, and all intoxicants.
4. In order to arrange transportation and meals for groups, please contact the visitor center one week in advance: 886-2-24991100 ext. 3200.
Facilities
■ Visitor Center: The Visitor Center provides information on ceremonies, meditation, transportation, arranging visits, making offerings, lighting lamps, etc.
■ Dining Hall (Wuguan Hall): This dining hall is for use by visitors. For the sake of environmental protection, please use reusable utensils and don’t waste food. Food donations are most welcome, and are a bountiful source of merit.
■ Cultural Gallery: Located below the Founders Hall, the Gallery provides an introduction to Master Hsin Tao and Ling Jiou Mountain.
■ Milarepa Hall: This rest area includes a gift shop providing books, Buddha images, mandalas, rosaries, incense, candles, and decorations. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
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