Sister Dieu Nghiem (also known as Sister Jina) arrived in Plum Village in 1990. She ordained as a monastic in Japan in the Soto Zen tradition. Since Thay invited her to stay in Plum Village “indefinitely” over thirty years ago, Sister Dieu Nghiem has touched the lives of countless young monastics as a beloved elder sister. Here, eight monastics seize the challenge to share – briefly! – some wondrous moments with their dear elder sister.
The wise wizard
Sharing by Sister Mẫn Nghiêm
Our dearest Sister Dieu Nghiem, who we baby nuns used to lovingly refer to as Reverend Mother, is a true teacher. She always has a skillful and playful way of poking at her mentees so that we realize nuggets of wisdom on our own, in our due time and space. She always nudged us towards thinking outside the box, towards considering all perspectives of the situation. True teachers help their students grow into becoming teachers themselves without even really realizing it until much later on. Sister Dieu Nghiem is a magical wizard who sees the good in people and helps them in discreet ways, so they gain self confidence and blossom as happy humans. She has this skill of not getting caught in only two options: East or West, Elders or Young Ones, right or wrong, good or bad, conflicts or harmony. She doesn’t impose on others arbitrary standards that can make us all feel like we’re stuck in a moral quicksand.
One time, we had a sangha meeting after dinner and it was so intense. We simply could not arrive at any conclusion. The atmosphere was so tense that I found it hard to even breathe. As a baby nun at the time, I remember being filled with dread, wondering how it was ever going to end well. It was getting quite late, and after more than two hours, it seemed hopeless. Then, I heard this calm, angelic voice acknowledge that we were all exhausted after a long day and perhaps we could resume our meeting the following day when we were more refreshed. Wait, that was an option?! We didn’t have to choose between only two options? My baby nun brain simply could not compute. I mean, we don’t have to do or die and make the decision now?! It felt like a complete war zone and yet she’s saying it’s all right to pause? We had never stopped a long meeting before; we always had to plow through until we had a result, no matter what! My eyes widened at this possibility. I couldn’t stop staring at this wise wizard with blue eyes who was called Sister Abbess at the time.
This was one of the long lasting impressions I had of Sister True Wonder and it has shaped my experience of meetings and sangha life as a whole all these years. Nope! I don’t have to fall into any traps of dualistic views. East or West? Lay or Monastic? Elders or Youngins? Someone might say, “Where’s your loyalty?” Ha! Inner freedom and not being bound to views of right and wrong is the way! Our dearest Sister Dieu Nghiem has this natural super power to bring about harmony of views simply with her openness and her being game to acknowledging all perspectives and experiences. I’m forever grateful to her way of shaping the sangha, and for her inclusivity of all sangha members. Whether we were shy or outspoken, she always made sure all voices were heard.
Speaking of meetings, whenever we went around and a sister piped up, “I don’t have anything to share,” Sister Dieu Nghiem didn’t let her or any of us off the hook. She’d simply reply, “Ah, so you’re not ready yet. That’s ok, we’ll continue and at the end we’ll come back to you.” Back then, we thought it was a tad annoying how we couldn’t just hide in our elder sisters’ shadows; but now, looking back, many of us recall that time with a grateful chuckle. And of course, we continue this tradition in nudging our shy younger sisters to share. The wise wizard’s wisdom lives on!
Check and be clear about your intention
Sharing by Sister Lễ Nghiêm
Dear Sư mẹ (Dharma mother) Jina,
I remember the day I first arrived in Lower Hamlet, an autumn day in 2004. That morning, an elder Sister accompanied me to meet and pay respect to you. You were sitting by the old bell tower. With a warm and gentle smile, and a loving wink from your blue Irish eyes, you said, “Welcome!” After my novice ordination and through all the years I was in Lower Hamlet, I was your mentee.
How many wonderful and deep teachings have I received from you? How can I share all the memories and lessons that I have and learned from you? But one teaching that I have always carried with me and embodied in my daily practice is to always check and be clear about my intention.
You always gave me the freedom to make choices and decisions, and you always encouraged me to do so. You allowed and encouraged me to stand on my feet, to grow, and to be responsible and independent. These are treasures that I carry in my heart on my journey of Returning Home. I feel so fortunate and grateful to have been your mentee all those years.
With this deep bow in gratitude, I send my deepest gratitude and love to you and wish you well.
Con, Lễ Nghiêm
“I am here to support”
Sharing by Sister Bội Nghiêm
Sister Dieu Nghiem is one of those rare individuals whose words I wish I could recall in their entirety. Her wisdom carries a profound ability to make me pause and reflect on my thoughts, speech, and actions. During my visit to Lower Hamlet in September 2024, I had the privilege of spending time with her, walking through the serene and picturesque landscapes of Loubes-Bernac. The rolling hills, vibrant greenery, and tranquil atmosphere created an ideal setting for meaningful conversations.
As we walked, I asked her about many facets of her life—her childhood, her early days as a novice, her experiences at Plum Village, her perspective on the current state of the world, and her thoughts on life in the community today. Her candid and thoughtful answers made me feel at ease, creating an atmosphere of trust where I could explore any topic. She not only welcomed my questions with an open heart but also asked me some of her own, inviting me to share my aspirations and reflections with honesty.
At one point, I shared something close to my heart: “I’m at a place in my monastic journey where my deepest aspiration and joy is to help make Plum Village centers in the West more welcoming, inclusive and friendly to our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) friends.” We paused mid-step. Sister Dieu Nghiem turned to face me, her compassionate gaze steady and filled with warmth. “We should,” she said. “Please continue to do what you are doing. I am here to support.” Her words felt like a gentle yet resolute affirmation, giving me a sense of strength and validation. As we resumed walking, I carried her encouragement with me, feeling uplifted and more confident in my aspiration.
Sister Dieu Nghiem has always encouraged her younger siblings to step beyond their comfort zones, to discover the infinite possibilities born of our capacity to love, serve, care, and heal.
That day, walking beside her, I felt the power of her encouragement more than ever. I know, without a doubt, that Sister Dieu Nghiem is there to support. I left with a renewed determination to dedicate myself to this aspiration—not only for my own growth but for the countless others who will one day find a sense of refuge and belonging within the Plum Village community. And I know Sister Dieu Nghiem is there to support.
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