滿謙法師 Ven. Man Chien
2024-03-13
The interview with Venerable Man Chien, conducted by Venerable Jue Fang on March 13, 2024, at Fo Guang Shan Taipei Vihara, delves into the personal and professional journey of Venerable Man Chien. Born in Taoyuan, Taiwan, in 1961, Venerable Man Chien currently serves as the President of the Fo Guang Shan Overseas Executive Council, the Abbess of the Fo Guang Shan Taipei Vihara and the Deputy Secretary General of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Europe. She reflected on her upbringing in a simple yet nurturing family that practised a blend of Shintoism and Buddhism, recounting how her grandfather's study and Buddhist scriptures left a profound impact on her spiritual development.
Venerable Man Chien's connection with Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Fo Guang Shan began through her pursuit of a meaningful life beyond her career as a fashion designer. This led her to join Fo Guang Shan Tsung Lin University, where she was deeply influenced by the teachings and grandeur of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. In 1994, she arrived in Australia to oversee the completion of the Nan Tien Temple project, a task she approached with dedication despite initial apprehensions. Her leadership was instrumental in the successful completion and inauguration of Nan Tien Temple in 1995, an event that attracted significant attention and participation from the local and international community.
Throughout her tenure as Abbess of Nan Tien Temple, Venerable Man Chien established and upheld the traditions and systems of a Buddhist monastery within a Western context, ensuring the integration of Fo Guang Shan's objectives and practices. She also highlighted significant events that Nan Tien Temple participated in or held during her tenure, such as the 2000 Sydney Olympics torch relay, the first Buddhist Hymns Concert at the Sydney Opera House and the first Buddhist Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony in Australian history. These events promoted cultural exchange, showcased the peaceful essence of Buddhist music and fostered multi-religious understanding in Australia. Her efforts in signing the contract for founding the Nan Tien Institute further exemplified her commitment to education and the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism.
Looking forward, Venerable Man Chien envisioned a vibrant future for Nan Tien Temple and Nan Tien Institute, with the Temple and the Institute mutually reinforcing each other. She aspired for Nan Tien Temple to continue to thrive and serve as a guiding light of Humanistic Buddhism, fostering community harmony. For Nan Tien Institute, she aimed to cultivate unique strengths in Buddhism, philosophy and meditation, with a curriculum that addresses modern societal needs. Committed to nurturing talent and fostering cultural exchanges, Venerable Man Chien envisioned both the temple and the institute as vital cultural and educational hubs for future generations.
