Master Jianyin,

Executive Director for Administration
(行政監院 見蔭法師)

Master Jianyin, in charge of Administration, is the longest serving Shifu in Ocean Sky, having stayed in the Philippines for seven years. She came to the country right after graduating from the Chung Tai Buddhist Institute for Nuns.

Like all the other Dharma Masters in Ocean Sky, Jianyin Shifu has many roles to accomplish. She is in charge of the kitchen and the culinary volunteer-bodhisattvas, making sure the supply of vegetables and condiments are always fresh and well-stocked; that the food prepared for every meal is balanced, delicious, and healthy, providing well-needed nourishment and energy for all the Shifus, students, and lay volunteers. As the Grand Master says, “the wheel of sustenance precedes the wheel of Dharma.” (法輪未轉，食輪先轉。)

Jianyin Shifu also manages the renovations around the Monastery. She checks on the workers regarding the progress of the repair jobs and holds discussons with the contractors. She also takes charge of the inevitable cleanup afterwards. Master Jianyin communicates well with the workers, even though the latter’s knowledge of English is so limited. Somehow, Jianyin Shifu is very good at reading their hand gestures and body language.

After seven years in the Philippines, Master Jianyin makes this observation: “Filipinos are essentially optimistic, passionate, simple, and kind. The average age of volunteers in the monastery is around 50; but their spirit and enthusiasm surpass those of younger people. I hope the people of the country can improve in their spiritual growth and do more good deeds towards their fellow men, so that the country can look forward to a brighter future.”

After a long tiring day spent at doing various tasks around the Monastery, Jianyin Shifu would take her turn being the lead Liturgy Master during Dharma Ceremonies. Excellent in chanting, she also handles our Chanting Class, and teaches Mandarin to meditation students to let Filipinos understand the beauty and depth of Chinese culture. She hopes “the Buddha Dharma can penetrate every corner of the world, and the Three Jewels can continue to benefit all sentient beings.”