本研究以「聖嚴法師創建法鼓山之時代意義—以『四個環保』思想為對象之研究」為題目，研究目的是：探討聖嚴法師創建法鼓山在當代佛教歷史上的意義，並以「四個環保」思想的研究為主軸，指出聖嚴法師一大使命、三大教育、四個環保的理念，以及「心五四」、「心六倫」運動之推動，是佛教參與現代社會建設的奮鬥努力；而法鼓山世界佛教教育園區的落成開山，更是肩負著新時代之使命，具有弘揚正法的功能，也是佛教在當代復興之命脈所在。進一步而言，法鼓大學之籌建，發揮著大學院、大普化的教育功能，並非社會上普通的綜合大學，也唯有這所大學的建立，才是臺灣真正的第一所佛教大學；至於「中華禪法鼓宗」之提出，則是從承先啟後的角度，說明立足於漢傳禪佛教的基礎上，與世界佛教的會通，並且接納發揮世界各系佛教之所長。換言之，法鼓山之建設，將是中國佛教未來發展的一個重要指標，因此，本研究的成果，一方面可以做為法鼓山內部的參考，另一方面，藉此研究得出的訊息是：佛教參與社會建設將不能忽略「禪法」的堅持，因為法鼓山正是以「禪修」的精神貫徹到各個活動之中，具有心靈啟蒙的作用，卻又超越宗教的儀式與規範，成為現代社會不可缺少的安定力量。這項特色，將有別於臺灣其他佛教道場，應該加以重視。

This study, titled as “The Contemporary Significance of Ven. Master Shengyen’s Contribution to the Establishing Dharma Drum Mountain—The Studies on Four Kinds of Environmentalism Thought,” aims at revealing the importance of Ven. Master Shengyen’s establishment of Dharma Drum Mountain in modern Buddhist history. It also points out using the Four Kinds of Environmentalism thought, as the theme that the engagement of Buddhism in the construction of modern society is demonstrated in the following movements, started by Ven. Master Shengyen: One Great Mission, Three Types of Education, Four Kinds of Environmentalism, The Fivefold Spiritual Renaissance Campaign, and The Six Ethics of the Mind Campaign, etc. Furthermore, the building of Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education dawns the beginning of a new age, which spreads the Buddha Dharma while reviving Buddhism to the modern world. Besides, the establishment of Dharma Drum University carries with it the mission of education through academics and public outreach, not just a common university in our society. In this sense, it should be considered as the first Buddhist University in Taiwan. As for the founding of the Dharma Drum Lineage of Chan Buddhism, it not only honors the past but also creates the future, for it is based on the foundation of Chinese Chan Buddhism while communicating with different sects of Buddhism of the world, accepting and learning from their strength. In other words, the establishment and development of Dharma Drum Mountain can be an index for the future development of Chinese Buddhism. Therefore, this study can serve, on the one hand, as a reference for Dharma Drum Mountain’s interior affairs; on the other, our message is: The social engagement of Buddhism cannot afford to ignore the importance of “Chan Practice.” The practice has permeated every kind of activity held by Dharma Drum Mountain, which enlightens the spirit, yet freeing itself from the bondage of rituals and ceremonies. Thus, it has become an essential spiritual force in bringing peace to the mind. This quality has differentiated itself from other Buddhist centers, and therefore is worthy of our attention.