Most Venerable Bhiksuni Xiu-Neng Shih

Taiwan

Most Venerable Bhiksuni Xiu-Neng Shih

Taiwan

Most Venerable Bhiksuni Xiu-Neng Shih was born on March 3, 1935. She has been ordained for more than 70 years, and a Buddhist scholar for decades.

At the age of 9, she followed her mother to Lingshan Temple in Qingtonglin, Wufeng Township, where Master Puguan lead her in meditation practice. In 1955 at the age of 20, she immediately went to Keelung Lingquan Temple to seek Triple Platform Precept Ordination.

After returning to her temple, she studied with Master Li Bingnan. She also traveled with her mother to study at the Buddhist Lotus Society in Taichung with Master Pushi. In 1961, Bhiksuni Xiu-Neng Shih studied Buddhism at the Lingshan Academy attached to Lingshan Temple in Taichung City.

In 1977, upon the passing away of Master Puxian of Lingshan Temple in Wufeng Township, Taichung County, the resident public recommended her to succeed as the 3^rd^ Abbess of Lingshan Temple, where she remains today.

Her exemplary positions include: Executive Director/Director of the Chinese Buddhist Bhikkhuni Association; Honorary Chairperson of the Greater Taichung Buddhist Association; Executive Director/Director of the Buddhist Association of China, Executive Director of the Taiwan Buddhist Federation; in 1981, at the request of Master Pujin, she became the Abbess of Qingyun Temple in Changhua; in 2006 Ordaining Master at Xindian Zhulin Temple; Ordaining Master in Taiwan, China (Tian Ning Temple) and South Korea (Jiming Temple).

Most Venerable Bhiksuni Xiu-Neng Shih is a refuge for many, and has offered disaster relief in Taiwan and abroad in China and Turkey. She performs social charity relief work as well for the Aboriginal people all year long, food banks, and supports the Taichung City Social Affairs Bureau. Her Buddhist cultural and educational services inside and outside of the classroom have included: chanting and meditation meetings year round, imparting Bodhisattva precepts to laity, and Buddha Recitations.