This research explores the way of spiritual practice and motivations of the Jingsi Sangha in Hualien through a combination of literature review, analysis, and semi-structured interviews. The study aims to reveal the ideological foundations of the monastic community and the profound significance of their practice. The paper begins by providing an overview of the development of Buddhism and the practice principles of Master Cheng Yen, which have shaped the establishment of the Buddhist Tzuchi Foundation and the Jingsi Sangha. The commitment of every individual in the sangha to Tzuchi vocation has led to the flourishing of the Jingsi dharma lineage and Tzuchi sect. Chapter 3 delves into the practice methods of the Tzu Chi sect, which involves practicing charity to accomplish the Six Paramitas as expounded in the Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa, plus the Lotus Sutra and the Infinite Meanings Sutra as theoretical foundations. Chapter 4 is dedicated to conducting qualitative interviews with the Jingsi Sangha’s bhikkhunis. The study encompasses a total of 21 interviewees. The journey of these bhikkhunis includes three stages: becoming a Buddhist, learning the way, practicing the way, and eventually embarking on the path to enlightenment. The study reveals that they become bhikkhunis due to either suffering or compassion, and they choose Jingsi Sangha for various reasons, such as Master Cheng Yen’s compassion and wisdom; resident bhikkhunis’ altruistic actions; the life style of environmental protection, simplicity, and animal protection; self-reliance, and practicing the bodhisattva path to helping living beings. Furthermore, in the sangha, bhikkhunis’ learning is centered on compassion and wisdom, including dynamic “learning from role models” and static “learning from Master Cheng Yen’s sutra teachings”. The study identifies three ways of spiritual practice: “to hold good thoughts through revealing principles with real issues”, “to purify the mind through helping others”, and “to meditate through daily truth”. Ultimately, enlightenment comes with two core values: “Jingsi (Sangha) is backing up Tzuchi charity” and “dedication to Buddhism and to living beings”. This paper characterizes the practice method of Jingsi Sangha as “using own body as a vessel, using the Dharma as a tool, using aspiration as a guide” to match the essence of Mahayana Buddhism: “Bodhicitta, Wisdom Dharmakaya, and Great Compassion.” The study also reveals that Jingsi Sangha cultivates itself by working on Tzuchi charitable mission and by coordinating among bhikkhunis.
