Our nuns—along with the Buddhist monks at GEBIS— have embarked on the world’s largest translation and preservation project of Tibetan sutras (the Sanskrit term used for Buddhist scriptures). This requires nurturing translators on a scale which the world has not seen the likes of in the past centuries: being fluent in the Tibetan language and well-versed in the traditional Tibetan Buddhist curriculum (The Five Great Treatises). On multiple occasions, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has publicly expressed his gratitude toward our Buddhist community for carrying on this task.

To support our long-term study and translation work, a location—free from political, religious, and social unrest—was needed. Canada is one of the few places in the world to offer stability, safety, acceptance, and religious freedom. PEI, unique in its kind-hearted people and serene environment, is ideal for this global mission.

There is no big business or government controlling GWBI, GEBIS, or Bliss and Wisdom.

Bliss and Wisdom is a religious community, not unlike a community of Christians, Jews, or Muslims. It is not a large corporation. Bliss and Wisdom references the Buddhist community founded by the late Venerable Master Jih-Chang. Anyone who acknowledges the late Venerable Master Jih-Chang and Teacher Zhen-Ru as their spiritual teachers is part of the Bliss and Wisdom Buddhist community.

Teacher Zhen-Ru is our spiritual teacher.

She was directly appointed by our first spiritual teacher, Venerable Master Jih-Chang, for her profound understanding and application of Buddhism.

In our current society, it is not as common for a female layperson to be a spiritual leader, including a spiritual teacher. As such, this appointment demonstrates both Venerable Master Jih-Chang’s forward-thinking as well as Teacher Zhen-Ru’s innate grasp of Buddhist teachings.

Our teacher does not have the final say on things like land acquisition. GWBI has an operating committee which discusses and decides how to run the monastery.

All comments about Teacher Zhen-Ru having close links to the CCP are false.

If Teacher Zhen-Ru had close links to the CCP, her top priority would not be preserving Tibetan Buddhism and nurturing monastics who can translate Tibetan sutras.

She has not set foot in China for more than 15 years.

Buddhism first originated in India and reached its peak in the 5th century. At that time, Nalanda University (situated in modern day Bihar) was the preeminent centre of learning. The BBC called it the “Ivy League of Medieval Times.” Scholars from all over Asia would take long gruelling trips on foot or by sea just to study at Nalanda. In its heyday, it had over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers.

Due to turmoil, Buddhism began to decline in India circa the 8th century. Fortunately, renowned Buddhist masters had brought the knowledge and scholastic traditions of Nalanda into Tibet. From these roots, Tibetan scholars created the Five Great Treatises (“FGT”) curriculum, preserving the essence of this ancient wisdom.

GWBI is the only Buddhist monastery outside of Tibetan culture to establish the prestigious 16-year FGT curriculum for females all over the world. Renowned Tibetan Buddhist masters, living in exile, give us teachings annually, making the 24+ hour long-haul flights from India to PEI whenever possible despite being in their 90s.

Our vision is to recreate the global epicenter of Buddhist learning, in the same spirit as Cambridge University, Harvard etc. Our budget and enrolment will continue to grow to support this endeavour.

GWBI is funded through donations. 99.8% of GWBI’s funding is from individuals. They contributed to 97.7% of GWBI’s total donations. These individuals are primarily our 80,000 Buddhist followers around the world, including parents of our nuns, and individuals who wish to support our mission in preserving Tibetan Buddhism.

When someone joins the monastery, there is mutual agreement on both sides. In addition, individuals, especially minors, can only join the monastery with their family’s support. If someone feels the monastic life isn’t for them, they can leave at any time.

0.06% have left the monastery. After leaving the monastery, some pursue further education while others start work. GWBI provides emotional support and resources during this critical transition period to ensure that these individuals adjust well to life outside the monastery.

There is no number set in stone, the frequency depends on each individual and her family’s needs. Typically, video chats are scheduled every three months. Every year, we also organize group visits for parents. GWBI believes that parents are an important part of our lives. Quarterly newsletters are sent to parents with photos, updates, and messages from students. Instructor nuns also interact with parents regularly, working together to best help the student learn and grow. Lines of communication are always open when needed. However, family members are respectful as our nuns and students have chosen a dedicated monastery life and a certain amount of focus is required for studies and practice.

Yes. The ways that the Child Protection and the Child Advocate’s Offices have oversight are as follows:
(1) Ensuring that GWBI has the appropriate measures and policies in place;
(2) Visiting our campus to interact with the students and understand their lives in the monastery; and
(3) Regular communication with GWBI to receive updates on what is going on.

Please feel free to email us at bonjour@gwbi.org and we would be happy to arrange a visit with you at our Welcome House.