Jian-sheng Shi inspires women to simplify desires and be mindful of all consequences of their decisions.

Jiang-sheng Shi is currently the abbess of the Buddha Gate Monastery in the hills of Lafayette, California. Master Jian Sheng directs all aspects of the monastery in addition to actively teaching both the English and Chinese Buddhist studies and meditation classes. Her past experience was the vice abbess and Head of the Reception Department of Chung Tai Chan Monastery. Abbess of Pu-De Zen Center, Taipei. Faculty member at the Nuns’ Division of the Chung Tai Buddhist Institute. Instructor at the College Buddhist Association for the Northern Area in Taiwan. Invited lecturer on Meditation and Chan Buddhism at universities, private and government organizations in Taiwan and the United States.

ZENPLIFICATION:
Can you describe a moment of metamorphosis for you?

ZENPLIFICATION:
I came into contact with Buddhist teachings and realized that a lot of things I’ve done in the past is wrong. Like eating meat, etc. Therefore, I need to make some changes and become a vegetarian. It’s the same with becoming a nun. I felt I need to do make some changes and do something with my life. I lived a very “normal” life like everyone else. After I graduated from college, I found a job. After I got a job, I got married. I had a car, a house, everything I needed. But then I realized, what if one day I don’t have any of these things anymore? What would that feel like? Life is full of uncertainties. If we only rely on these external things for happiness, what if one day they all disappeared? When that happens, where is our heart going to stand? I think I found my true self and self confidence by becoming a nun. I’ve also learned how to take care of others and benefit the world.

ZENPLIFICATION:
Can you describe your idea of peace of mind?

JIANG-SHEN SHI:
Having less desires. When you have less desires, then you will be feel more satisfied, more grateful. When you feel more grateful, you will become more calm and happy.

ZENPLIFICATION:
How do we lessen our desires?

JIANG-SHEN SHI:
A person’s desire is like an endless blackhole, therefore, one must learn how to practice self-control. Self-control is like having a push and pull match with yourself. You know it’s very hard but you just have to do it. Self-control itself is very hard and it is not enough. You also need a kind of thinking and wisdom to consider, “what kind of consequences will this desire bring me?” This is a case of cause and effect. (karma) Now that I have this desire (cause), what effect will it bring? Do I need this thing that I am about to buy? Will I really use it? Can I afford it? Where will I put it when I don’t need it? Who’s going to take care of it after I throw it out? Like the Story of Stuff. It’s very interesting because it makes us think about how we should change. The internet is too convenient right now. You can shop even when you’re sitting at home and have goods delivered to your door. It’s too easy to fulfill your desires. These are things that we should think about. Once we have it all thought out, we will realize what is good for ourselves, for other people, for the environment, for the whole human race, and the whole planet. After thinking about all of this, it would be easier to practice self-control because it is for a more meaningful cause.