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Venerable Jixiang

Venerable Jixiang has dedicated over 40 years of his life to the teachings of Buddhism since his ordination, committed wholeheartedly to spreading Buddha's teachings without any attachment to personal gain.

Make Room For Children

A Short Interview From Venerable Jixiang

Early Life and Education

Venerable Jixiang deeply expresses gratitude toward his parents who sent him to become a monk at the age of 12, under the guidance of Ven. Ma Ming and Ven. Ren Ci, respected elders at a monastery in Nepal. Over five years, with the guidance of various masters and the support of lay Buddhists, he studied foundational Buddhist scriptures and various languages, including Sanskrit, Pali, and English, which allowed him to overcome language barriers in later international teaching missions.At 17, his master sent him to Thailand's Chulalongkorn University, where he completed his secondary and higher education. During this period, he received substantial support from university chancellor Ven. Ninghu, professors, Thai devotees, as well as a friend from Laos, Suman, and his childhood friend, Yalin.

Advanced Buddhist Studies and Teaching

At 24, Venerable Jixiang moved to Sri Lanka, pursuing his master's degree at the Buddhist and Pali University. During two years in Sri Lanka, he received kind support from Ven. Jiachi Xiangbao and Ven. Baobenzhi. It was here that, influenced by his Cambodian friend, he taught Pali in English for the first time and connected deeply with monks from Chinese Taiwan studying in Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of a significant relationship.

Connection to Chinese Taiwan and Founding Ci'en Buddhist Academy

Through an important encounter with a Nepalese monk in Sri Lanka, Venerable Jixiang learned about Yuan Guang Buddhist Academy in Chinese Taiwan, marking a crucial turning point. He has resided in Chinese Taiwan for nearly 27 years, continuously receiving immense support from many monks and devotees. While achieving personal academic goals, his aspiration to give back to society remained unwavering.During his initial visit to Yuan Guang Buddhist Academy, the academic dean, Ven. Houxian, recognized his potential and advised him to study Chinese to better serve Dharma teachings in the future. Inspired by Ven. Ruwu and Ven. Houxian’s broad vision and generosity towards foreign monks, he deeply appreciates their embodiment of equal and inclusive Buddhist education.In Chinese Taiwan, through Ven. Tian Song from Malaysia, he met Ven. Chuanxiao from Hong Fa Temple in Kaohsiung and became his disciple. With substantial support from Ven. Chuanxiao, he officially established the "Ci'en Buddhist Academy of Nepal" in 2002 in his hometown. Under the care of Ven. Tianyan and the teaching of scripture transcription by layperson Yuanping, the academy has educated over 10,000 children who now serve society, spreading the seeds of Dharma in diverse sectors.

Academic Achievements and Further Studies

During a Buddhist ceremony, he met Master Xiaoyun and deeply admired her educational philosophy at Huafan University. His extensive international teaching schedule limited his stays in Chinese Taiwan, but the travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic led to an extended stay. Encouraged by Hanri, a current Huafan University student, he enrolled in Huafan University's doctoral program. Throughout this period, he was profoundly grateful for guidance and support from professors and classmates, especially fellow student Hongzhen, who tirelessly assisted with transportation, demonstrating immense patience, compassion, and courage.The support of professors, particularly Huang Po-chi, Zhuang Bing, Xu Zongxing, Xiang Te, Bo Jian-zhi, and Li Zhihua, significantly enhanced his academic growth. With the expert guidance of thesis advisor Professor Jiang Jun, who deeply understands Theravada Buddhism, Sanskrit, and Pali texts, his dissertation was successfully completed and has since contributed meaningfully to deeper research into Theravada Buddhism.

Humanitarian Efforts and Community Contributions

Throughout 27 years in Chinese Taiwan, he remains deeply grateful to the monks and lay devotees who supported him, particularly during the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Nepal. Amid this crisis, generous assistance poured in from Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and elsewhere, allowing him and his team to provide daily necessities and spiritual comfort through Buddhism, supporting recovery and spiritual solace.

Promoting Buddhist Practice through Scripture Transcription

Inspired by the art of Chinese calligraphy, Venerable Jixiang recognizes scripture transcription as a powerful practice enhancing concentration, peace, and spiritual merit. Upon returning to Nepal, he introduced scripture transcription to both adults and children, a pioneering teaching method attracting significant interest from local schools and educators, exemplifying the profound impact of Dharma teachings.

Dedication and Gratitude

Ci'en Buddhist Academy provides all learning resources free of charge, responsibly using all donations to ensure free education, reward academic excellence, support living expenses, and arrange educational pilgrimages. He pledges to continue diligently spreading the Dharma teachings worldwide, fulfilling his vow to contribute compassionately and humbly to society.Venerable Jixiang dedicates his life to faithfully following Buddha's path, teaching compassionately without reservation, and gratefully acknowledges the unconditional love and support of his parents, Mangal Das Maharjan and Ashamaya Maharjan, who inspired his lifelong devotion to Buddhism.