Name:?Jiaying Chen
Cohort:?BA2023
Hometown:?26.0998¡ã N, 119.2966¡ã E
What is an influential class, book, or concept that blew your mind?
I remember the first year of my semester at 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, I was struggling with academic writing. In my Buddhist classic class, Dharma Master Jin Chuan told me that I can try to write as if I am talking to a friend as a way to unpack the text and introduce what I learn from the book! That indeed blew my mind at that time. I was absolutely inspired!
Are there any surprising things you learned?
As a native Chinese speaker, I am studying English-translated ancient Chinese texts and I found I have more understanding of that text in English.
What does contemplative practice mean to you??
A time for relaxation, a touch for your heart, and a bunch of space for reflection. The?Contemplative Exercise Immersion?week is my favorite time each semester.
What¡¯s it like to be a part of the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ community??
It¡¯s a blessing to be here. I enjoy the wonderful vegan food every day from the temple¡¯s kitchen, delicious and nutritious, nurturing food, and the beautiful nature-surrounded campus. We are living in a zoo, with different animals walking around. We are located in a very safe and very peaceful location.
What do you do outside of class?
Listening to Dharma talks.
Can you share a memory of a quintessential 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ moment with us?
When Professor Powers said a line like, ¡°You are now living in a dream.¡±, I don¡¯t remember exactly how he phrased it, but I thought, ¡°he¡¯s telling the truth.¡±
How has financial aid played a role in your being at 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ? What¡¯s your service scholarship (work-study) job??
Without the help from the university, I wouldn¡¯t be able to have my education. I am more than grateful for the financial aid from the university.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying to 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ??
I¡¯d say I am not a very academic person, but because this is a very supportive community, I still feel very encouraged here, to be myself and to learn. I feel seen here with kind-hearted people in the community. I think 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ [is] a very good place to land as a ground for developing mental space for discovering more who we are. Don¡¯t miss out on the amazing vegetarian food here!
