Venerable Miao Jing speaking at the First International Buddhist Bhikkhuni Forum at the University of Toronto. Image courtesy of the Great Compassion Bodhi Prajna Temple

Originally from Taiwan, Venerable Master Miao Jing has lived in Canada for the last 30 years, practicing in both the Chan Buddhist tradition and the Tibetan Karma Kagyu lineage. She heads the Great Compassion Bodhi Prajna Temple, located outside Toronto, which is an active center for meditation and study with a special emphasis on cultivating Buddhist youth. The temple was also founded by her co-teacher Master Miao Yin, who also practices in the Chan and Karma Kagyu lineages.

Inspired by the work of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa to establish the North American Karma Kagyu Bhikkhuni Institute, the First International Buddhist Bhikkhuni Forum was held at the University of Toronto on 26–27 May under the theme “Awakening.” I spoke with Master Miao Jing about her motivation and plans to empower Buddhist women across all lineages.
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On September 24th, 2019, Venerable Master Miao Jing and Venerable Master Miao Yin from the Great Compassion Bodhi Prajna Temple visited Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. They were invited by the Principal of Emmanuel College, Dr. Michelle Voss Roberts and professors Dr. Henry Shiu and Dr. William Kervin to give a speech entitled “Female Empowerment in Buddhism.” They delivered this speech entirely in English.

At the beginning of her speech, Venerable Master Miao Jing praised the audience, many of whom were women, in fluent English. She noted that in Canada, after many generations of effort, men and women have achieved equal status, with equal educational opportunities. Yet, many people do not realize that 2000 years ago in India, the Buddha said: “Every living being has the essence of the Tathāgata; every living being has the Buddha Nature.” The Buddha taught that in his tradition there are four types of disciples: Monks, Nuns, male lay disciples, and female lay disciples. In other words, Monks and Nuns are men and women who receive full ordination and leave their homes to practice the Dharma, whereas lay men and women remain at home while practicing the five precepts and following the Bodhisattva path.
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2018 First International Buddhist Bhikkhuni Forum
Awaken Inner Wisdom in Women – Buddha’s Grand Compassion and Wisdom.

The First International Buddhist Bhikkhuni Forum, held at University of Toronto on May 26 – 27, 2018, was the inaugural conference in North America bringing together Buddhist nuns and scholars of Buddhism in an international academic platform inviting different Buddhist lineages to participate. Organized by Great Compassion Bodhi Prajna Temple and North America Karma Kagyu Bhikkhuni Institute and co-hosted by Department for the Study of Religion, University of Toronto, the Forum was attended by the public, Bhikkhunis, professors and researchers collectively from five universities, namely, University of Toronto, Harvard University, Baldwin Wallace University, Nipissing University, and Eckerd College.
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Blessing Ceremony Conducted by H.H. the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje

At 1:45 PM, June 8, 2017, H.H. the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje graced the Great Compassion Bodhi Prajna Temple, which is set within a tranquil forest north of Toronto, Canada. Under the guidance of the abbess Master Miao Jing, the lay practitioners respectfully lined alongside the secluded path full of fresh flowers, with their hands holding up white khatas, waiting wholeheartedly for the arrival of H.H. the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. The sky was crystal blue with a gentle breeze and the soothing sounds of insects and birds. The surroundings displayed a sense of auspiciousness.

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